Starlink Launches Operation in Democratic Republic of Congo, Extending Presence Across Africa
In a significant stride towards expanding internet connectivity in Africa, Starlink, the satellite-based internet service provider, has launched in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) [1]. This move is expected to have a profound impact on sectors like education, healthcare, and e-commerce, particularly in remote and underserved regions [2][5].
The DRC, with some of the lowest internet penetration rates in Africa, stands to benefit greatly from Starlink's high-speed, low-latency broadband service. Poor terrestrial infrastructure has long been a major contributor to the country's connectivity woes [3]. However, Starlink's technology bypasses these issues, enabling internet coverage even in the most remote areas [4].
Key Impacts
- Education: With Starlink's service, schools and students in remote areas of the DRC can now access online learning platforms, educational videos, and digital libraries, helping to bridge the digital divide and improve educational quality and reach [2].
- Healthcare: Reliable broadband supports telehealth programs, enabling healthcare providers to offer remote consultations, medical training, and health information dissemination. This is crucial in rural areas with limited healthcare infrastructure [2].
- E-commerce: Improved internet access allows local businesses and entrepreneurs to engage in online trade, access wider markets, use digital payment systems, and streamline supply chains, boosting economic activity and inclusion [2].
Starlink's operations in the DRC are part of a broader expansion into several developing countries, aiming to bring near-global coverage and transform regions struggling with connectivity gaps [1][2][5]. The launch was facilitated by a telecom license from the ARPTC (Congolese Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority), granted to Starlink DRC S.A., a locally registered subsidiary [6].
As of now, Starlink is active in 22 African countries, with the potential to provide a solution for internet coverage in remote areas across the continent [7]. The digital divide in Africa, particularly in terms of internet access, is being addressed through the introduction of new technologies like Starlink [8]. The company's high-speed, low-latency broadband service could revolutionize the digital landscape in Africa, leading to significant improvements in various sectors.
[1] https://www.reuters.com/business/africa/starlink-launches-internet-service-democratic-republic-congo-2021-12-14 [2] https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-62153653 [3] https://www.afrobarometer.org/sites/default/files/publications/files/Afrobarometer_Round_10_Report_on_Democratic_Republic_of_Congo_English.pdf [4] https://www.starlink.com/ [5] https://www.technologyreview.com/2021/02/17/1019652/starlink-satellite-internet-africa-elon-musk/ [6] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-12-14/elon-musk-s-starlink-launches-internet-service-in-the-democratic-republic-of-congo [7] https://www.starlink.com/where-we-fly [8] https://www.technologyreview.com/2021/02/17/1019652/starlink-satellite-internet-africa-elon-musk/
- Science and space-and-astronomy sphere could witness a surge in remote research and collaborations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), given the enhanced internet connectivity, allowing scholars to access scientific databases and share findings efficiently.
- With the expansion of Starlink's technology in the DRC, space-and-astronomy education could flourish, empowering students to engage with the cosmos, fueling curiosity, and eventually nurturing the next generation of science and technology experts.
