Elon Musk: How Has Starlink Performed in Africa? 

Starlink, a satellite-based internet service developed by SpaceX, which is owned by Elon Musk, made its debut in the African market In January 2023. The goal was to offer high-speed, low-latency internet in areas where connectivity is either unreliable or unavailable. The launch was highly anticipated, with eight months of buildup leading to significant public interest.

Since initiating services in Nigeria, Starlink has successfully expanded to several other African countries, including Mozambique, Rwanda, and Sierra Leone. The company has ambitious plans to roll out in 19 more countries within the next two years. While many see Starlink as a potential solution to Africa’s digital divide, the path has been fraught with challenges. From navigating regulatory issues to grappling with high costs, achieving a strong market presence in Africa has proven to be a complex task.

South Africa banned the import of Starlink kits

South Africa imposed a ban on the importation of Starlink kits On August 14th, complicating the company’s efforts to establish a presence in the country. Prior to the ban, local internet service provider IT Lec had been facilitating the import of Starlink kits for its customers, charging ZAR 15,000 for a kit and a monthly service fee of ZAR 1,799. 

The legal hurdle preventing Starlink’s official entry into the South African market stems from the Electronics Communications Act, which mandates that any company wishing to provide broadband services must have at least 30% ownership by historically disadvantaged groups, including black individuals, youth, women, and people with disabilities. Starlink has yet to meet this criterion, making it ineligible for the necessary telecommunications licenses.

Zimbabwe declares Starlink operation illegal

In Zimbabwe, a situation similar to South Africa’s has unfolded, with authorities declaring Elon Musk Starlink’s operations illegal. The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) announced that Starlink lacks the required license to operate in the country. Dr. G.K Machengete, the director general of POTRAZ, warned that using or possessing unlicensed telecommunication equipment is a statutory offense. Despite these challenges, Starlink’s website indicates plans to launch in Zimbabwe by the third quarter of 2023. 

The regulatory body has offered Starlink an alternative path, either partner with a registered public network in Zimbabwe for service distribution or have its users apply for private network licenses. The service has already gained popularity among Zimbabweans, with social media posts showing Starlink routers installed at various locations. Even the Zimbabwe Broadcast Corporation, the national broadcaster, has been seen using the service.

Starlink faces challenges in Senegal

In Senegal, the situation is even more stringent. The government arrested five individuals on August 7th for selling Starlink terminals without the necessary licenses or authorization. These arrests came with a stern warning from the telecommunications regulatory authority against promoting Starlink or similar services. Those arrested could face up to five years in prison and a fine of 60 million CFA (approximately $100,000). This crackdown is linked to broader internet shutdowns in the West African nation. Beyond governmental hurdles, Starlink has also encountered user dissatisfaction, with complaints ranging from server issues to limitations with the devices themselves.