N’DJAMENA, Nov 12 – Chad has granted Elon Musk’s Starlink, a satellite internet provider under SpaceX, a license to operate, aiming to enhance internet connectivity across the country. This decision comes as only 12% of Chad’s population had internet access in 2022, according to World Bank data.
Communications Minister Boukar Michel announced the development, stating that Starlink‘s satellite technology will help bridge the gap in regions without fiber optic coverage. “A large part of our territory is not covered by fiber optics, and I believe that Starlink will help us bridge this gap,” Michel said. He also emphasized how improved connectivity could digitalize public services in remote areas and foster tech start-ups.
The agreement with Starlink follows negotiations that began in 2021. While the satellite internet provider operates in several African nations, it has faced regulatory obstacles in some, including Cameroon, where unlicensed equipment was seized earlier this year.
STARLINK IN AFRICA
Starlink’s expansion in Chad marks its entry into the 16th African country, alongside nations like Nigeria, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. However, its rapid growth raises concerns among traditional telecom operators, with some, like Kenya’s Safaricom, advocating for partnerships between satellite providers and local mobile networks.
Elon Musk celebrated the development with a post on X, stating, “Starlink now available in Chad!” The service is expected to have a transformative impact, enabling better education, healthcare, and digital business opportunities across the country.
Chad’s move signals a significant step toward reducing its digital divide and expanding opportunities for its citizens in the digital age.
Starlink’s rapid expansion of satellite internet in Africa has sparked mixed reactions, though. The service’s high-speed connectivity, often surpassing traditional broadband, is attracting many consumers and businesses across the continent. However, it is also drawing criticism from local telecommunications companies and internet service providers (ISPs) concerned about unfair competition.
The first African country to adopt the the satellite internet provider was Nigeria in January 2023, and the service has since expanded to 15 other countries, including Zimbabwe in September. Elon Musk also announced plans to bring the service to South Africa, where negotiations are ongoing due to regulatory hurdles. South Africa demands local ownership, a requirement for any telecom company seeking a license, which has stalled Starlink’s launch in the country.
Starlink operates through a network of over 5,500 low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, offering internet speeds that can exceed 100 Mbps in several African nations. This high-speed connectivity, even in remote areas, makes it an attractive alternative to traditional ISPs, especially for live streaming, online gaming, and video calls.
Despite its success, Starlink’s approach has angered local telcos, which argue that the company has an unfair advantage due to its limited investment in local infrastructure. Critics, including Steve Song from the Mozilla Foundation, suggest that Starlink’s operations are economically lopsided, benefiting from space as a global resource while contributing little to local economies.
Concerns about Starlink’s minimal local presence are echoed by Safaricom in Kenya, which has urged the government to impose stricter licensing requirements on satellite providers. Safaricom expressed concerns about the potential interference and security risks posed by satellite networks, urging that satellite operators partner with local telecom companies to offer services.
In Kenya, the entry of SpaceX’s satellite internet has seen a significant increase in satellite subscriptions, with the number of users rising from 405 in June 2022 to over 8,300 by June 2023. Despite these figures, it still holds a small market share compared to Safaricom’s dominant position.
While Starlink’s pricing remains high, with monthly subscriptions ranging from $25 to $100, the company has introduced discounts and rental options in certain markets to make the service more affordable. However, the costs are still prohibitive for many in Africa, where a large portion of the population resides in rural areas with limited access to reliable internet.
Starlink’s presence in Africa highlights the potential for satellite technology to bridge the digital divide, but overcoming cost barriers and establishing partnerships with local telecom companies will be key to ensuring that millions of underserved Africans gain access to fast and reliable internet.
Stay informed on the latest tech trends with Insyght Central — your hub for expert reviews and updates!
