TechPression

Tag: Starlink

  • Starlink sees 10X user growth in Kenya in under a year

    Starlink sees 10X user growth in Kenya in under a year

    Starlink has experienced a tenfold user base growth since its launch in Kenya in July 2023, indicating a swift adoption of its satellite internet service. Before Starlink’s debut, Kenya had a modest 405 satellite internet users. 

    Two months post-launch, this number had grown to 1,354, and by March 2024, it had surged to 4,808, according to data from Kenya’s Communications Authority (CA).

    Read also: Sierra Leone licences Starlink, becomes 5th African nation on the network

    Starlink’s High-Speed Internet Drives Growth

    Starlink’s impressive speeds, exceeding 100 megabits per second (Mbps), have been a critical factor in the rising popularity of satellite internet. These high-speed services appeal particularly to users underserved by traditional broadband providers like Safaricom and Telkom Kenya.

    This demographic includes specialised corporate clients with needs beyond what standard fibre or fixed broadband can offer and residents in remote areas where conventional internet infrastructure is insufficient.

    “The launch of Starlink’s internet services in the country played a major role in driving the uptake of broadband services. Generally, the sector is expected to keep growing following the rollout of new technologies and services,” the Communications Authority reported. 

    The data underscores a significant shift in how Kenyans access satellite internet, with over 93% of users opting for high-speed plans ranging from 100 Mbps to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps)—speeds currently available only through Starlink.

    Read also: Exploring Starlink’s Success as the Third Largest Internet Provider in Nigeria

    Starlink’s Niche Market Impact

    Starlink’s rapid rise in popularity is attributed to its ability to meet the needs of customers dissatisfied with the offerings of established internet service providers, which tend to focus on urban areas.

    By promising to deliver broadband services to areas beyond the reach of traditional providers, Starlink has become a favoured option for this niche market. Despite Starlink being the newest major player in Kenya’s satellite internet space, other providers such as Skynet and NTvsat exist.

    Meanwhile, Safaricom, the country’s largest telecom operator, announced plans to launch a satellite service over a year ago but has yet to roll it out.

  • Sierra Leone licences Starlink, becomes 5th African nation on the network

    Sierra Leone licences Starlink, becomes 5th African nation on the network

    Sierra Leone has granted a licence to Starlink, the satellite broadband service launched by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. This makes Sierra Leone the fifth African nation to join the Starlink network, signalling a transformative leap towards universal internet access.

    Sierra Leone now stands alongside Nigeria, Mozambique, Rwanda, and Mauritius as African countries connected to Starlink. The service aims to expand further, with plans to launch in an additional 19 African nations throughout 2023 and 2024, as indicated on Starlink’s official website.

    Read also: Exploring Starlink’s Success as the Third Largest Internet Provider in Nigeria

    Government’s Vision for Universal Connectivity

    David Moinina Sengeh, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education and Chief Innovation Officer, officially announced the authorisation of Starlink. He emphasised the importance of this development, stating, “This is a significant step forward in achieving the goal of universal connectivity across the country.”

    Sierra Leone has faced significant challenges in internet penetration, with only 21.2% of the population having access to the internet at the start of 2023. This low penetration rate left approximately 6.85 million people without reliable internet access.

    Additionally, the country’s median fixed internet connection speed was only 11.60 megabytes per second (Mbps), well below the global average of 58 Mbps.

    Improving Internet Accessibility with Starlink

    Sengeh hopes Starlink’s presence will lower internet costs and make services more accessible to Sierra Leoneans. “While the general service will commence soon, I have been testing it so far with great satisfaction,” he shared.

    The introduction of Starlink is expected to revolutionise internet access in Sierra Leone, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

    Starlink’s Technological Advantage

    Starlink’s entry into Africa marks a significant technological advancement. Unlike traditional internet satellites that orbit approximately 35,000 km from Earth, Starlink’s Low-Earth Orbit satellites operate at around 550 km.

    This proximity enables Starlink to offer faster and more reliable internet service, even in remote locations, without the high costs associated with land-based telecom towers and subsea fibre cables.

    Economic Challenges

    Despite the promising technological benefits, the cost of accessing Starlink remains a concern. In Nigeria, for example, the Starlink kit and installation cost about $600 (N276,000) upfront, with a monthly subscription fee of approximately $43 (N198,000).

    Given the minimum wage in Nigeria is $65 per month, and in Sierra Leone, it is $40.65, affordability remains a significant barrier.

    Read also: Ghana approves Starlink’s application for broadband service

    Starlink’s Debut in Africa

    Starlink debuted in Africa in 2023, with Nigeria being the first country to experience the service in January. Following Nigeria, Starlink has become available in Rwanda, Mauritius, and Mozambique. The service’s innovative approach and closer satellite positioning promise enhanced connectivity for underserved regions.

    The licensing of Starlink in Sierra Leone represents a crucial step towards enhancing the nation’s internet infrastructure. While the cost remains a challenge, the potential benefits of improved connectivity and faster internet speeds are significant.

    As Sierra Leone and other African nations embrace advanced technologies, the digital divide may gradually narrow, fostering more significant economic growth and development. This development on Democracy Day underscores Sierra Leone’s commitment to progress and innovation in the digital age.

  • Exploring Starlink’s Success as the Third Largest Internet Provider in Nigeria

    Exploring Starlink’s Success as the Third Largest Internet Provider in Nigeria

    According to the number of subscribers, Elon Musk’s internet company Starlink became Nigeria’s third biggest Internet Service Provider (ISP) in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2023. This was shown by the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) most recent ISP data.

    In Q4 2024, the firm became one of Nigeria’s top ISPs, with 23,897 active clients. Starlink has 11,207 customers in Q3 2023, based on NCC. Quarterly consumers rose 113% in Q4.

    Read also: NCC stops issuance of operational licences to telecom providers

    Unveiling the Success Story of Nigeria’s Oldest ISPs

    With 113,869 active users, Spectranet, one of Nigeria’s oldest ISPs, led the market. With 27,000 active users in 2023, FiberOne was second.

    NCC’s database showed 245 Nigerian ISPs in 2023. As of Q4 2023, just 106 ISPs had active clients, according to newly revealed data.

    According to NCC, the 106 ISPs had 262,206 active consumers throughout the evaluation period. However, the percentage is still modest compared to internet consumers of the four mobile network companies.

    Four mobile companies—MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile—had 163.8 million active internet subscribers as of December 2023.

    According to the NCC’s database, seven more ISPs have been licenced so far this year, taking the overall number of licenced ISPs to 252.

    Exploring Starlink’s success in Nigeria

    Starlink, which announced its arrival in Nigeria in January 2023, sparked much interest among Nigerians eager to switch service providers, even though it charged more than local ISPs.

    Customers who live in areas with poor internet connectivity are also inclined to use Starlink’s omnipresent satellite service. Starlink has far fewer subscribers than many Nigerian Internet service providers (ISPs) that have been around for a long time.

    Read also: Ghana approves Starlink’s application for broadband service

    To entice customers in Nigeria, Starlink reduced the price of its router by forty-five per cent last month. The Starlink internet router, priced at N800,000, was dropped to N440,000 in April of 2024.

    This does not change that the monthly internet subscription is still N38,000. Even though the corporation did not formally announce its debut in Nigeria until January of the previous year, Nigerians had already placed pre-orders for Starlink devices since 2022.

    When the firm made its public declaration, it changed its currency to naira. Initially, it stated that the hardware cost $600 and the membership cost $43, but these figures were later changed.

  • Ghana approves Starlink’s application for broadband service

    Ghana approves Starlink’s application for broadband service

    The National Communications Authority (NCA) of Ghana has recently approved SpaceX’s Starlink to operate within the country, thereby allowing the company to offer satellite broadband services to Ghanaian consumers.

    This decision marks a significant shift from the previous stance of the NCA towards Starlink and highlights the evolving landscape of telecommunications regulation in Ghana.

    The approval for Starlink’s operations in Ghana comes after regulatory scrutiny and evolution within the telecommunications sector.

    Read also: Starlink Router’s price falls due to Nigerian Naira rise

    Four months before this approval, the NCA declared any activities related to Starlink illegal under the Electronic Communications Act of 2008. This initial stance positioned the use of Starlink equipment or services in Ghana as a violation of established legal frameworks.

    The recent approval is attributed to the policy acceptance of Ghana’s Satellite Licensing Framework by the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation. This policy shift paved the way for the NCA to consider and approve Starlink’s application for operations in the country. As administrative processes for issuing the necessary licenses are currently underway, the commencement of Starlink’s services in Ghana is imminent.

    Ghana overturning its decision on Starlink

    Ghana’s decision to approve Starlink’s operations positions it as the eighth African country to embrace satellite broadband technology. Preceding Ghana, countries such as Nigeria, Mozambique, Eswatini, Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, and Rwanda had already endorsed the use of Starlink within their respective territories. However, contrasting stances are evident in countries like Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Senegal, Botswana, and Mali, where Starlink is deemed illegal.

    Notably, Zimbabwe has seen inventive methods employed by its citizens to access Starlink despite the country’s ban on the technology. Reports indicate that individuals are disguising Starlink kits as everyday objects to evade legal repercussions. In Botswana, authorities have taken a firm stance against Starlink, citing legal consequences for those involved in its importation, use, or sale. The rejection of Starlink’s application in Botswana was due to regulatory non-compliance.

    While the approval of Starlink in Ghana opens new avenues for broadband access, concerns and opportunities accompany its introduction. Ghana’s Internet penetration rate, approximately 70% in January 2024, reflects a growing digital connectivity landscape. With nearly 24.06 million Internet users in the country, the demand for reliable and high-speed connectivity continues to rise.

    Read also: Starlink categorises Zimbabwe as unauthorised territory

    Fear of potential market disruption in the Ghana telecom industry

    However, concerns like those expressed in other African nations are also present in Ghana. Authorities in Cameroon, for instance, are wary of Starlink’s impact on local telecommunications providers like Camtel. They fear potential market disruption, fraudulent activities, exploitation of Starlink terminals, and risks related to personal data security.

    The approval of SpaceX’s Starlink in Ghana represents a significant development in the country’s telecommunications sector, aligning with broader continental trends towards embracing satellite broadband technologies. While opportunities for enhanced connectivity and technological advancement are evident, regulatory challenges and concerns over market dynamics and data security necessitate a nuanced approach towards integration and oversight. Ghana’s journey with Starlink reflects a broader narrative of Africa navigating the complexities of digital transformation amidst evolving regulatory landscapes and technological innovations.

  • Starlink categorises Zimbabwe as unauthorised territory

    Starlink categorises Zimbabwe as unauthorised territory

    Starlink’s communication categorises Zimbabwe as an “unauthorised territory” for SpaceX’s satellite Internet service, emphasising the lack of official approval for this technology within the country’s borders.

    This characterization aligns Zimbabwe with South Africa and Botswana, where similar authorizations for SpaceX’s broadband satellite Internet service are pending.

    The absence of formal authorization signifies regulatory challenges faced by innovative telecommunications services like satellite Internet. Without recognition and compliance with national regulatory frameworks overseen by entities such as the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), providers encounter obstacles in legally and effectively delivering services.

    Read also: StarSat Africa to cut Starlink prices in SA by 20%

    This situation underscores the criticality of regulatory compliance in the telecommunications sector, particularly for emerging technologies. Collaborative efforts between regulatory bodies and industry players are pivotal in navigating these challenges, ensuring alignment with laws while fostering technological advancement.

    Ongoing dialogue and partnerships between telecom regulators and satellite Internet providers are imperative. They facilitate understanding and address regulatory nuances, paving the way for lawful and efficient service delivery. Such collaborations uphold regulatory standards, protect consumer interests, and promote industry growth within a structured legal framework.

    As Zimbabwe progresses in its telecommunications landscape, continuous engagement between regulators and stakeholders remains essential. This engagement drives innovation, shapes regulatory policies, and ensures that telecommunications services, including broadband satellite Internet, evolve responsibly to meet national objectives and industry demands.

    Regulatory Challenges for SpaceX’s Satellite Internet in Zimbabwe

    The characterization of Zimbabwe as an “unauthorised territory” for SpaceX’s satellite Internet service, as communicated by Starlink, reflects the current status of regulatory approval for broadband satellite services within the country. Much like South Africa and Botswana, Zimbabwe has yet to grant official authorization for SpaceX’s satellite Internet service to operate as a recognized provider within its borders.

    This designation highlights the importance of regulatory compliance and formal authorization in the telecommunications sector, especially concerning innovative services such as satellite Internet. Without official approval and recognition from regulatory bodies like the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), service providers may face constraints in offering their services legally and efficiently within the country.

    Read also: Starlink’s usage in Ghana stirs controversy

    The absence of formal authorization also underscores the need for ongoing dialogue and collaboration between telecom regulators and satellite Internet providers to address regulatory requirements and ensure compliance with national telecommunications laws. Such collaborations can facilitate the smooth introduction of new technologies and services while upholding regulatory standards and consumer protections.

    As Zimbabwe navigates its telecommunications landscape, the engagement between regulatory authorities and industry stakeholders will play a crucial role in shaping the future of broadband satellite Internet services and ensuring that they align with the country’s regulatory framework and strategic objectives.

  • StarSat Africa to cut Starlink prices in SA by 20%

    StarSat Africa to cut Starlink prices in SA by 20%

    In late February 2024, StarSat Africa, a South African company based in Mozambique that imports Starlink, intends to slash prices for Starlink gear by thirteen to twenty percent.

    This potential price reduction follows a recent sale on bulk orders by Starlink’s parent company, SpaceX. Although South Africa’s communications regulator, ICASA, banned Starlink, this development has occurred anyhow.

    The satellite connection provider announced that it would be reducing the price of its Starlink units from R14,999 ($789.56) to between R12,000 ($631.69) and R13,000 ($684.33). All import, VAT, and shipping fees are already included in StarSat Africa’s price. 

    Considering all operating charges and government fees, the company claims that the price cut might be lower than expected. 

    Read also: How Starlink expands African internet connectivity

    StarSat Across Africa

    As part of its objective to bridge the digital divide in the tech landscape of Southern Africa and beyond, StarSat offers satellite internet services to multiple African nations. In addition to South Africa, 17 sub-Saharan African nations, including Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Kenya, are sourced and supplied by Starlink kits by StarSat Africa. 

    At 485,000 Rwandan Francs ($377), Rwanda is presently the least expensive African country to buy a Starlink kit. Product prices in the other seven African countries where Starlink operates range from $389 to $631. 

    While South Africans can save money by purchasing these kits in one of these countries and importing them to their home country, they will still be subject to higher shipping and tax costs.

    Orders for Starlink kits can now take up to four months to process due to the extremely high demand at Starsat Africa. There are 300 units in Namibia’s back order and 72 in South Africa’s. This doesn’t even account for the 300 units that are supposed to arrive soon from the Black Friday orders. 

    Customers can anticipate receiving their orders two days following delivery once the company aims to clear all backlogs by the end of March. 

    SpaceX Announces Lower Priced Starlink service

    Starlink must obtain operating license in SA

    ICASA has issued a warning that the service is illegal to use in the country until Starlink obtains the necessary operating and spectrum licences. Over 14,000 StarSat users in South Africa were using Starlink, so apparently, no one paid attention to the warnings. Although Starlink’s roaming services are not officially approved in South Africa, they are available across the country.

    Starlink has been banned by multiple African regulatory authorities, not just Icasa. The Zimbabwean government’s postal and telecommunications regulatory agency (POTRAZ) has recently joined forces with law enforcement to crack down on defaulters across the nation. 

    Ghanaians were cautioned by the National Communication Authority not to use Starlink’s products or services and were ordered to cease all sales and service operations on December 7, 2023.  Telecom regulator in Ghana deemed Starlink’s equipment sales and operations unlawful due to the company’s failure to secure necessary licences and type approvals prior to launch. The allegation that intermediaries are driving up the price of installing satellite Internet service is the source of this news. 

    Starlink was also not granted permission to operate in Botswana. Elon Musk’s company allegedly failed to disclose key information needed to conduct business in Botswana, according to the country’s Communication Authority.

  • Starlink’s usage in Ghana stirs controversy

    Starlink’s usage in Ghana stirs controversy

    Starting in the third quarter of 2024, Elon Musk’s internet service, Starlink, will not be available in Ghana. 

    As a result, satellite communication is available in the West African country, and its use has caused a cloud of disagreement. 

    According to a circular released yesterday, Ghana’s National Communications Authority (NCA), which oversees telecommunications, Starlink-type equipment has not yet been officially cleared. Furthermore, NCA clarified that the service was not yet given a local working license.

    Regulatory officials are now looking into how dealers are selling Starlink kits. The government said offering internet services without permission is against its Electronic Communications Act. 

    The NCA warned people not to use any tools or services that were said to be from Starlink. “People who work in the sale or operation of the service are also told to stop right away,” the statement said.

    Read also: FG talks to Starlink about Nigerian jobs

    National Communications Authority Move

    The NCA’s action may have something to do with recent posts on social media about local stores bringing in the equipment and selling it for ridiculously high prices. 

    An X post from two days ago about Starlink prices said that intermediaries charge home users 7,800 cedis ($650) and businesses 30,000 cedis ($2,500). CediRates is a website that tracks Ghana’s currency exchange rates and the costs of popular services.

    According to CediRates, a residential subscription costs 1,100 to 1,500 cedis ($91 to $124) per month, while a commercial membership costs 3,000 to 18,000 cedis ($250 to $1500). 

    On the other hand, Starlink’s website says that the no-cap service can only be pre-ordered from Ghana for $9 as long as it gets regulatory permission. A basic plan usually costs $689 and comes with a $90 monthly subscription.

    It is unclear how Starlink kits are making it to Ghana. But, from what’s evident in other parts of the continent where the platform has come under similar regulatory pressure, the equipment is likely being imported from next-door markets where the service is legal. 

    Starlink goes live in Zambia

    Nigeria gets Starlink first in Africa

    Nigeria is Ghana’s closest neighbor. In January 2023, Starlink went live there after getting permission from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the country’s telecoms body. Niger was the first country in Africa to get the service after it was launched. 

    In the south, third parties bought kits from neighboring Mozambique, where it is allowed, and then sold them to people in South Africa. But since then, the government has made the practice illegal, and the equipment is said to be getting type approval before it goes on public launch.

    Accra still has trouble getting stable and cheap internet access, so Starlink’s satellite internet service has been met with excitement and doubt. 

    While it is faster and covers more areas, it is much more expensive than standard internet services from local cell phone companies.

    Additionally, more mobile consumers are complaining about rising data plan pricing. Sancom Plc (MTN Ghana) raised voice and data charges by 15% for prepaid and postpaid users last month because of rising operating costs. 

    Ghana used to offer one of the cheapest internet plans in Sub-Saharan Africa, but studies say that is outdated. Surfshark reported in September that internet affordability has fallen over the previous year as individuals work harder to buy the same data package. 

    Ghana ranks 88th out of 177 nations in mobile internet speed, making it the slowest in Africa.

  • How Starlink expands African internet connectivity

    How Starlink expands African internet connectivity

    SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service aims to bring fast internet to rural and underdeveloped areas worldwide, especially in Africa, where satellite networks and services are scarce.

    The satellite network, which has more than 5,000 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, wants to change how people connect in Africa by providing fast, reliable, unrestricted internet access. This move could help close the digital gap by giving people who didn’t have access before high-speed internet access. It would also be perfect for the continent’s remote areas.

    Starlink runs a massive network of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites that let it provide internet access almost everywhere on Earth, even though it is pretty pricey. So, it can be used anywhere, even in small towns where internet access isn’t widespread.

    Read also: Starlink to introduce direct-to-phone connection in 2024

    Starlink’s business in Africa

    Starlink is growing in Africa, which has become one of its most important areas. Its main goal is to serve every country on the continent with its internet service. It’s effortless to sign up for the services. To get Starlink, someone has to put a dish somewhere with a clear view of the sky.

    Starlink has been available in or is expected to launch in more than twice as many African countries since December 2022, when it was first brought to the continent. It will only be able to enter African markets after getting governmental approvals from each country.

    Starlink can now be used in seven African countries as of October 2023. Nigeria, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, Malawi, and Zambia were some of the first countries to join the Starlink network. Benin is the newest member. For people in these countries, the Starlink website lets them place straight orders.

    Also, 25 more African countries that didn’t know when they would be able to get Starlink before will get it by the end of 2024.

    South Africa, on the other hand, is still not on the list of future availability. This might not have been included because of the Electronic Communications Act, which says that all South African telecom companies must have at least 30% of their shares owned by historically disadvantaged groups. Because of this, the country was marked as a low-priority market for the business.

    Pricing and roaming for countries

    Users can use global or regional roaming in places where Starlink’s service is not yet accessible by importing the appropriate kit from a country where it is. Starlink is available in roaming. However, it costs more than in the nation of registration.

    The satellite network provider also offers customisable pricing based on budgets, needs, and currency PPP.

    Customers usually need the Starlink Kit, which comprises a satellite dish and modem. Country and package options affect prices. Starlink also offers instalment options to spread equipment costs across several months.

    The Nigerian satellite internet service just lowered its hardware prices. Starting in October, the Starlink kit, necessary for service access, was reduced by 21%, from ₦378,000 to ₦299,000. But the monthly subscription stayed at N38,000.

    Musk’s Starlink hits Nigeria and Kenya with Jumia.

    Countries and Estimated Availability Date

    For a detailed analysis of Starlink’s standing in each of the 54 African nations recognised by the UN, please see the following:

    Algeria(No Planned Launch Date), Angola (Q3 2024), Benin(Available), Botswana (Q3 2024), Burkina Faso( 2024), Burundi (Q2 2024), Cabo Verde (2024), Cameroon (2024), Central African Republic (No Launch Date), Comoros, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo (2024).Djibouti 2024( No Launch Date Set), Egypt (2024 ), Eritrea( No Planned Launch Date), Eswatini 2024(previously Swaziland), Equatorial Guinea(2024), Gabon(2024), and Gambia (Quarter 2 2024), Ghana 2024 (Quarter 3), Guinea (2024) Ivory Coast (2024), Kenya (Available), Lesotho (Q2 2024), Liberia (2024), Libya, (No Launch Date Set), Madagascar (Q2 2024), Malawi (Available), Mali (No Launch Date Set), Mauritania (2024), Mauritius (2024), Mozambique (Availability), Morocco (2024), Namibia (2024), Nigeria (Available),

    Niger (2024), Republic of Congo (2024), Rwanda( Available), São Tomé and Príncipe (2024), Senegal (2024), Seychelles (2024), Sierra Leone (2024), South Africa (No Planned Launch Date) South Sudan (No Planned Launch Date), Somalia (No Planned Launch Date), Sudan (No Planned Launch Date), Tanzania (Q2 2024), Togo (Q3 2023), Tunisia (2024), Uganda (2024), Western Sahara (2024), Zambia (Available), Zimbabwe (Q2 2024).

  • Starlink to introduce direct-to-phone connection in 2024

    Starlink to introduce direct-to-phone connection in 2024

    SpaceX has confirmed that mobile phones will soon be able to connect directly to Starlink‘s satellites. According to a new advertisement page published by SpaceX, the “Starlink Direct to Cell” service is scheduled to be implemented between the years 2024 and 2025. Starlink will compete with established telecommunications companies such as MTN, Airtel and Globacom when it becomes available. 

    The ability to send and receive text messages (SMS) will become available in 2024, and the following year will see the introduction of voice and data capabilities. In addition, the page mentioned that an Internet of Things (IoT) service will be accessible in the year 2025. Until recently, customers of Starlink’s satellite internet service were obliged to purchase a hardware kit, which comes out to an amount equal to N299,0000 now. The cost of the subscription is 38,000 Nigerian naira each month. 

    Read also: Musk’s Starlink hits Nigeria and Kenya with Jumia

    The impact Starlink will make

    This breakthrough is interesting for a number of reasons, one of which is that the direct-to-cell service will be compatible with both 4G and 5G-enabled mobile devices. Because of this, we can immediately eliminate 2G and 3G phones from consideration. It is unclear whether Starlink will be able to exert significant competitive pressure on MTN and Glo in the absence of 2G and 3G phone customers, considering that Nigeria and the rest of Africa still have a sizeable population of people using 3G and 2G handsets. 

    SpaceX guarantees that users of LTE phones will have unlimited access wherever they go in the world. In spite of the fact that telecoms have had a hard time delivering on this promise, it will be fascinating to observe how Starlink intends to make it a reality. 

    According to the advertising page for SpaceX’s Starlink service, the satellite with the future capabilities will “have an advanced eNodeB modem onboard that acts like a cellphone tower in space, allowing network integration similar to a standard roaming partner.” This will make it feasible for Starlink to provide direct-to-cell service. 

    On the promotional page, it was also indicated that the new edition of the Starlink satellite internet service will take a proactive approach to addressing the problem of dead ones. This roughly translates into low connection in locations that are geographically isolated. Rural areas in Nigeria and many other African countries often do not have access to a reliable internet connection.

    An article written by satellite communications expert Marcin Frackiewicz, provides evidence in support of the aforementioned assertion.

    “The digital divide in Africa is largely a result of inadequate infrastructure, limited access to technology, and high costs of access. This has resulted in a significant gap between those who have access to the Internet and those who do not. This gap is particularly evident in rural areas, where access to the internet is limited or non-existent.”

    Starlink surpasses 2 Million active customers

    How Starlink will attract patronage

    Businesses in Nigeria need to establish prices that are appropriate for the country’s current economic situation to be successful. Starlink may eventually find its way into the mainstream, but its price is currently beyond what the average Nigerian can pay for it. As was stated previously, the purchasing power of Nigerians is decreasing on a daily basis. Why pay about N300,000 plus a monthly fee of N38,000 when the SIM cards of telecoms like MTN and Airtel sell for a substantially lesser price, if they don’t even cost anything at all? 

    It is possible that SpaceX will need to lower the retail price of Starlink’s hardware kit even further if it expects to be perceived as a major threat by the big four, which are MTN, GLO, 9mobile, and Airtel. SpaceX recently slashed the retail price of Starlink’s hardware kit in order to attract more buyers. If you do that, you should receive a positive response from potential customers.

  • Starlink goes live in Zambia

    Starlink goes live in Zambia

    Zambia became the sixth nation in Africa to receive SpaceX’s Starlink high-speed, uncapped satellite internet service after the company officially inaugurated its Starlink satellite internet service in the country.

    Residents are now able to place orders for their Starlink kits immediately on the corporation website.

    Internet connection is provided to people all over the world by Starlink through the utilization of a constellation that consists of thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit. The service is especially well-suited for use in rural and underserved areas, which sometimes lack the standard internet infrastructure needed to support modern websites.

    The telecom is currently only available in select locations of Zambia; however, the business has plans to significantly increase the country’s coverage in the following weeks. The cost of the service is ZMW771 ($37) a month, and there is an additional one-time cost of ZMW10,744 ($505) for the hardware.

    Users who intend to make use of the Starlink service in countries located elsewhere in Africa will be required to pay a monthly fee of ZMW1,000 ($47), which is the cost of regional roaming. Those who wish to bring their Starlink kit with them to another continent and utilize it there are required to pay a fee of ZMW3,950 ($186).

    In addition to the normal Starlink dish, SpaceX also provides a Flat, High-Performance dish. This dish is aimed at professional and corporate consumers who have more stringent criteria for their broadband service. The Flat High-Performance dish may be purchased for a price of ZMW50,133, which is equivalent to $2,355.

    Read also: Zimbabwe confirms Starlink’s license application

    The usage of Starlink in Zambia

    The introduction of Starlink in Zambia represents an important step forward in the improvement of the internet infrastructure in that nation. Only 44% of people in Zambia have access to the internet, and the World Bank reports that those who do have access to the internet generally face exorbitant charges and sluggish connections.

    Starlink has the potential to help close the digital divide in Zambia by offering high-speed internet access to millions of residents for the very first time.

    In addition to the advantages it provides for customers, the telecom may also have a beneficial effect on the economy of Zambia. This is because the service may entice new companies and investments in the nation, in addition to generating employment opportunities in the field of telecommunications.

    SpaceX is in the process of spreading its satellite internet service across Africa, and the launch of Starlink in Zambia is a part of this larger trend. Nigeria, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, and Malawi all became part of the Starlink network in the year 2023. Before the end of the year, it is also expected to be operational in the countries of Angola and Eswatini.

    Musk halts Ukrainian-Russia attacks, prevents Starlink usage

    Regulation of Starlink in Africa

    In January 2023, when Elon Musk’s Starlink made its debut in Nigeria, the next-generation satellite internet service provider made good on its promise to usher in a new era of high-speed internet connectivity in the country with the most people on the African continent. In regions where internet service is either unreliable or nonexistent, it was also promised that low-latency internet would be provided.

    At the time, the telecom’s operations have expanded into a number of additional African countries, such as Mozambique, Rwanda, Mauritius, and Sierra Leone. Launches in 19 further African countries are planned for the years 2023 and 2024.

    On the other hand, the company’s operations in Africa have not been without problems due to legislative obstacles on the continent. Africa has a population of over 1.3 billion people, but only 40% of them have access to the internet, which is the lowest percentage in the world.

    The importation of Starlink kits was deemed illegal in South Africa on August 14, 2023. South Africa’s telecoms regulator has issued a demand to a local Internet Service Provider (ISP), instructing them to stop acquiring, distributing, and enabling the sale of any Starlink products in South Africa. These devices would in any way allow satellite access to Starlink services. Specifically, the regulator wants the ISP to stop obtaining Starlink products in South Africa.

    The Electronic Communications Act (ECA) has criteria that must be met in order for the ban to remain in place. 

    Those that offer the telecom within the borders of Senegal are coming under increased scrutiny from the government there due to their “illegal provision of internet access and irregular marketing.” The government has blocked access to the internet for the third time in less than a year, and this week’s crackdown comes just one week after that.

    On August 7th, the government of Senegal made five arrests of people who were selling Starlink terminals without the necessary license or authorisation. The five individuals who were apprehended by the Department of Urban Security of the National Police face a possible maximum sentence of five years in jail and a fine of sixty million CFA ($100,000).

    In addition, the authority that regulates telecommunications issued a notice to any service providers marketing Starlink, as well as any other company with actions comparable to those of the telecom, instructing them to immediately suspend all service throughout the nation.