Africa continues to embrace satellite technology, with Starlink transforming broadband access and reshaping the telecommunications industry in Africa. The technology has received overwhelming support from different Africa countries, with government, give out operating licenses to Starlink as sign of goodwill, even while local service providers kicks against it.
Nigeria the most populous country in Africa, was the first in the continent to accept Starlink operations in January 2023, and since then the technology has spanned across 15 other African countries (Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Cape Verde, Eswatini, Ghana, Kenya , Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Zambia, Zimbabwe) and plans to expand to more countries before the end of 2025. Aside Nigeria Starlink also has big market in: Mozambique, Rwanda, Kenya and Malawi.
Starlink has over 65,000 subscribers in Nigeria a significant increase from 23,897 subscribers when it first launched in 2023, and has made its way to becoming the second largest internet service provider (ISP) in the country. The technology has over 237,000 subscribers in Africa, with a growing presence in over 15 countries. Starlink deliver high internet speed services through a network of over 5,600 low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite, deployed into the orbit by spaceX since 2019. Series of performance tests shows that Starlink’s download speeds can exceed 100 megabits per second in different countries, enhancing the quality of internet-powered activities including live streaming, online gaming and video calls. meanwhile, the progress Starlink has made within Africa, doesn’t sit right with other local ISP,for its gaining the most subscribers while investing less in ground infrastructure, compare to other local telecom companies.
Africa has low internet connectivity rate of 43%, below global average of 66%, its due to the fact that, 57% of Africa population resides in rural areas with most not having access to electricity. To foster broadband connectivity in rural areas, airtel Africa, a leading telecommunications company in Africa has just recently partnered with spaceX to roll-out Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet across nine of its 14 African markets.
Broadband access for rural areas.
The airtel satellite deal with Starlink will benefit immensely people and businesses in rural areas, for most of airtel customers reside in regions where internet access is relatively low.
For airtel, it’s a strategic move to boost and improve connectivity in rural communities within the region while offering customers high internet speeds services. Airtel Africa will leverage Starlink’s low-earth-orbit satellite technology alongside its ground infrastructure to bridge the continent’s digital divide.
“This collaboration is a game-changer for digital inclusion,” Airtel Africa said. “This partnership with SpaceX is a significant step to demonstrate our continued commitment to advancing Africa’s digital economy through strategic investments and partnerships. Airtel Africa Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar said.
This move will supercharger connectivity in rural areas. For Starlink the deal presents an opportunity to significantly expand its digital footprint in Africa internet service markets.
SpaceX has secured operating license in nine countries within Airtel Africa’s foothold, including Nigeria, Kenya, and Zambia, with applications pending for the remaining five.
“We are very excited to work with Airtel to bring the transformative benefits of Starlink to the African people in new and innovative ways. Vice President of Starlink Business Operations, Chad Gibbs, said. He further highlighted the immense opportunity the collaboration will provide for the region and also, aid in Starlink market expansion.
The partnership targets Airtel’s 163 million customers across markets like Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Cape Verde, where demand for reliable internet in education, healthcare, and commerce is soaring.
“this agreement with Airtel highlights how, once licensed, Starlink welcomes the opportunity to join forces with important industry leaders to ensure as many people as possible can benefit from Starlink’s presence.” He added.
Collaboration with spaceX will see Airtel Africa integrate Starlink’s satellite tech to boost its offerings, targeting enterprises, health centers, and underserved regions.
Barriers with operating license.
While spaceX is receiving overwhelming support within Africa, from government waivers – residence acquiring and subscribing to Starlink; however, there’s a stumbling block with South Africa, the birthplace of spaceX owner and founder Elon Musk.
South Africa which poses as a potential big market destination for Starlink, for it’s modernize large economy in Africa. However South Africa’s government has not given Elon musk the nod to go ahead and launch spaceX technology in the country, despite several dialogues and negotiations between both parties.
The government has been reluctant to give Starlink an operational license, cause Pretoria insists that the company will have to give out 30% of share equity in the country to be owned by natives, women or people with disabilities, which Elon musk is yet to commit. It’s a standard practice for any telecom seeking license in South Africa. Although some report says Elon musk struggles with gaining operational license in the country is due to supporting the narrative of an allege genocide of white farmers in South Africa, which the government has denied countlessly any claim of such act in the country.
NWALI CHIDOZIE MICHAEL
