[New Video] A Conversation with BBC’s Rhoda Odhiambo on the DRC’s Satellite-First Internet Future

I was delighted to join Rhoda Odhiambo on BBC’s ‘Focus on Africa’ yesterday evening, 18th September 2025, to share my perspectives on the significant developments in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) Internet landscape. The conversation centred on the DRC’s ambitious and pragmatic shift towards satellite connectivity to address its significant Intenet access gaps.

The Context: A Leap into Space to Bridge the Digital Divide

The DRC, one of Africa’s most populous nations, faces a severe connectivity challenge, with only about one in three people connected to the internet. The government’s plan to roll out a national fiber backbone has been slow, prompting a strategic pivot.

This pivot has two major components. First, Elon Musk’s Starlink recently received approval to operate in the DRC. Second, and more recently, the government has signed a US$400 million partnership with Monacosat, a Monaco-based company, to launch a dedicated satellite for broadband access. This satellite-first approach is essentially a strategic workaround to the immense logistical and financial challenges of deploying terrestrial fiber infrastructure across the DRC’s vast and difficult terrain.

During my interview with Rhoda, we delved into the practical implications, opportunities, and challenges of this strategy. Here are the key perspectives I shared:

• The Affordability Hurdle: Even if its revolutionary, Starlink’s cost — around $50 per month with a US$200 equipment fee — is out of reach for the majority of the Congolese population on an individual basis. I suggested that a community-based model could be a viable solution. One Starlink terminal could serve an entire community or village through local Wi-Fi networks, defraying the cost among multiple users and making it more accessible.
• Sovereignty, Latency, and the Long-Term View: Relying on foreign satellite providers naturally brings up concerns about data sovereignty, where local data regulations can be circumvented. There is also the technical challenge of latency, which occurs when data has to travel to an international link and back. However, I noted that there are plans to install significant Starlink ground infrastructure in the DRC, which should help mitigate these issues. Drawing from my observations in Kenya, I also pointed out that satellite network performance can deteriorate in densely populated urban areas as more users connect. Ultimately, I see satellite as a powerful interim solution, but cost-effective and reliable mass connectivity will eventually depend on more conventional methods like fiber.
• A Game-Changer for Humanitarian and Economic Development: The most profound impact could be seen in underserved and conflict-affected regions like the eastern DRC. Reliable, high-speed internet can be transformative. As seen with Starlink’s role in Ukraine, it can significantly enhance humanitarian efforts. Furthermore, it unlocks immense opportunities for remote education, healthcare, and commerce, connecting communities that were previously cut off and integrating them into the wider national economy.

This satellite-first strategy is a bold and necessary move for the DRC. Even as its not without its challenges, it represents a critical step towards closing the digital divide and unlocking the immense potential of its people.

Watch The Video Here: