Airtel Africa has activated what the company calls the first commercial satellite service for direct phone connectivity in Africa. This service began operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo on August 14th in collaboration with Elon Musk's SpaceX.
The service is named Starlink Mobile and allows Airtel DRC customers using a compatible Android smartphone with LTE support to connect directly to low-Earth orbit Starlink satellites. These satellites function as space-based base stations. No special antenna, dish, or specialized equipment is required for use; only a clear view of the sky is necessary.
At launch, the service supports sending SMS and light data applications, including WhatsApp messages. This is facilitated by the world's largest constellation of mobile devices, which Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar stated comprises 650 launched satellites. However, voice communication is not yet available, and the service is not intended for video viewing or surfing; Apple support is planned for the future. Users must have an active data package or roaming enabled.
According to Taldar, integrating Airtel's terrestrial network with Starlink satellites expands 'vital connectivity beyond the limitations of traditional mobile infrastructure.' He noted that this is important for logistics operators, humanitarian organizations, medical personnel, farmers, and mining enterprises, as well as for emergencies and network failures.
The launch followed a strategic partnership between Airtel Africa and SpaceX, announced in December 2025. This partnership covers all 14 markets of the group in Africa and 173.8 million customers. Successful trials were previously conducted in Kenya in March 2026. Taldar added that expansion beyond the DR Congo depends on obtaining country-specific permits.
The claim that the service is the first in Africa appears substantiated so far. Competitor Axian Telecom's plans to implement direct device connectivity technology using AST SpaceMobile, announced in March across 11 markets including the DR Congo, are awaiting approval, and AST has postponed its commercial launch to 2027.
Although Airtel does not operate in South Africa, MTN and Vodacom have direct cellular connectivity programs, but none have been launched commercially yet. MTN South Africa reported the first direct satellite call in the country in March 2025. This test call and SMS transmission were made from Vryburg in the North West using Lynk Global satellites, utilizing standard phones on their own licensed frequency with testing approval from Icasa.
MTN Group reported in 2023 that it was testing Starlink for corporate clients in Rwanda and Nigeria, and was also negotiating with AST SpaceMobile. As for Vodacom, its focus has been on AST SpaceMobile, supported by its British parent company Vodafone since 2020. At that time, both companies agreed to broadcast 4G and 5G broadband from space in equatorial markets. Vodafone used AST satellites for the world's first video call from space using a standard smartphone on a mountain slope in Wales in January 2025.
Vodacom's agreement with Starlink, signed in November 2025, represents a different concept: it involves satellite backhaul to expand rural coverage, as well as reselling Starlink equipment to business clients. Direct cellular connectivity was not part of the stated scope of work. Separately, Vodafone Group struck a deal with Amazon Leo to connect rural towers.
Part of the issue relates to regulation: Starlink lacks a license in South Africa, and SpaceX did not apply to the regulator Icasa, objecting to the requirement that licensees own 30% of historically disadvantaged groups. The draft amendment to the electronic communications law, where application submissions close on August 21st, did not include such ownership provisions in April.
The stakes are rising regardless. After acquiring 65 MHz of EchoStar spectrum for $19.6 billion, SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell recently stated that the company intends to develop ground infrastructure to make Starlink a 'true mobile service.' According to TechCentral, the satellite war with terrestrial telecommunications has already begun, and Airtel has just delivered a commercial blow in this war.
The Galaxy Tab S11 5G, equipped with 12 GB of RAM, has returned to one of the lowest prices recorded this year during a promotion available on Amazon. Those who missed the chance last week can purchase this premium Samsung tablet for R$ 5,559 using the coupon SMART200 when paying via Pix.
This device offers a significant 26% discount compared to its original price of R$ 7,499 in the 5G connectivity version. The tablet stands out for having an advanced 120 Hz screen and 12 GB of RAM.
Considered one of the best tablets manufactured by Samsung due to its cutting-edge technology, the Galaxy Tab S11 features a 11-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with an adjustable refresh rate of 120 Hz. This configuration allows for extremely fluid and immersive navigation, supporting HDR10+ with high brightness and contrast.
The advanced performance required for various applications, such as gaming, video editing, and productivity app usage, is guaranteed by the combination of the Mediatek Dimensity 9400+ processor and 12 GB of RAM. Additionally, the Extended Samsung Dex feature allows the tablet to function as an extension of a monitor or vice versa.
The user experience is complemented by the inclusion of the S Pen stylus and keyboard cover in the box, useful accessories for daily tasks such as design and typing. The physical design of the tablet is remarkably thin, measuring only 5.5 mm thick, making it easy to carry in bags or backpacks.
In terms of autonomy and durability, the Tab S11 comes equipped with an 8,400 mAh battery, which Samsung claims offers up to 18 hours of video playback. It also supports 45W wired fast charging. Regarding resistance, the IP68 certification guarantees complete protection against dust and water immersion.
To ensure independent mobile connectivity, the device is compatible with Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4, and 5G. Thus, those seeking superior performance can get the Galaxy Tab S11 5G for R$ 5,559 via Pix, applying the SMART200 coupon on Amazon.
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, 128 GB model, is available for R$ 2,799 using Pix and the coupon LU200 at Magazine Luiza. This foldable smartphone, classified as an entry-level device by Samsung, had its original price of R$ 6,699 reduced by 58%, falling considerably below half the initial cost.
This device features a 6.7-inch Dynamic 2X AMOLED internal screen, capable of displaying crisp images in Full HD+ resolution with a 120 Hz refresh rate. Additionally, it has a 3.4-inch Super AMOLED external screen, designed to allow viewing notifications and controlling the media player without opening the device.
In terms of photography, it has a dual rear camera system whose main sensor is 50 MP, enabling 4K video recording and capturing selfies with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) even when the phone is closed. The front camera, with 10 MP, supports 4K quality video calls.
Focusing on high performance and Galaxy AI features, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE operates with the Exynos 2400 processor and 8 GB of RAM. The 128 GB internal storage is intended for applications, media, and other files; it is important to note that the device does not support microSD cards.
The Samsung foldable smartphone battery has a capacity of 4,000 mAh and, according to the manufacturer itself, offers autonomy for up to 24 hours of video playback. For fast charging, using an adapter of up to 25 W can supply 50% of the charge in just half an hour.
Structurally, the phone is built from Armor Aluminum, features a reinforced Gorilla Glass Victus 2 back finish, and includes reinforced hinges. Furthermore, the IP68 certification guarantees water resistance, allowing the device to remain submerged for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 1.5 meters.
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE (available for R$ 2,799 via Pix with coupon LU200) integrates 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4, and NFC for contactless payments. The phone comes pre-installed with Android 16 and is scheduled to receive operating system updates until the year 2032.
Paramount Skydance has expressed its desire to force the American states obstructing its merger with Warner Bros. Discovery to assume the costs and fees generated by the transaction's postponement. This request was formalized on Monday, the 17th, through a new document within the antitrust process challenging the operation.
The company requested that the states involved in the lawsuit provide a guarantee of $1.88 billion (approximately R$ 9.8 billion) to cover potential losses resulting from the merger's delay.
In July, a coalition of 12 state attorneys general, led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, initiated a lawsuit aimed at blocking the $110 billion (about R$ 572 billion) union between Paramount and Warner.
This operation aimed to unite two major film studios—Paramount and Warner Bros.—in addition to consolidating a vast set of cable TV channels in the United States and the streaming platforms HBO Max and Paramount+.
The state attorneys general allege that such a merger would violate the Clayton Antitrust Act, legislation over a hundred years old that prohibits acquisitions and mergers deemed harmful to competition.
A Paramount spokesperson mentioned the Clayton Act and other federal regulations, arguing that they require the plaintiffs—in this case, the states—to provide a guarantee to cover potential damages caused by suspending the transaction during litigation.
Paramount stated: 'Here, every month of delay brings substantial and quantifiable financial consequences.'
The company informed the Judiciary in the document presented that, up to the conclusion of the trial and the presentation of final arguments by the parties, Paramount had already disbursed $1.3 billion in irrecoverable maintenance fees to Warner Bros. shareholders.
Additionally, Paramount argues that the delay jeopardizes the validity of the regulatory approvals that the companies spent months obtaining.
According to the document, 'Without a guarantee, even a complete victory on the merits would not recover a single dollar of these extraordinary losses. This is precisely why federal legislation requires plaintiffs to provide a guarantee as a condition for receiving preliminary measures, such as the court-approved order.'
In its statement, Paramount specified that the requested $1.88 billion corresponds to a 'direct calculation of the maximum potential consideration related to ticking fees and financing costs arising from this process.'
However, the company emphasized that these are not the only costs associated with the operation's delay. Paramount added that due to a delay of at least eight months in finalization, there will be no integration or increase in investments in content, production, and creative talent by the combined company. Employees of both companies are also affected by the uncertainty generated by the merger's postponement.
Besides California, the group of states bringing the lawsuit against Paramount includes a total of 12 states, led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta. The action was filed in July, asserting that the merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery violates the Clayton Antitrust Act, established more than a century ago to prevent concentrations that harm competition.
