Ghana’s National Communications Authority (NCA) has announced that SpaceX’s satellite Internet service, Starlink, will start operating in the country by the end of August. This follows the completion of all administrative and licensing procedures with the regulator.
The satellite internet service will operate in Ghana under the name Space X Starlink GH LTD. The NCA confirmed this in a recent statement. The company received approval for its satellite broadband service in Ghana back in April 2024.
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Starlink’s Expansion Across Africa
Starlink has been expanding its presence across Africa. Recently, it launched a rental option in Kenya, allowing users to access its kits for $15 per month. Once the service begins in Ghana, Starlink will be available in 12 African countries.
Currently, the company provides service in Benin, Nigeria, Rwanda, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, Kenya, Madagascar, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Eswatini. The company also secured licenses in Botswana and Zimbabwe.
Despite its growth, the company’s journey in Africa has faced challenges. In April, Cameroonian authorities banned the import of Starlink satellite kits and began seizing them at the border. Additionally, Starlink disconnected users in unauthorized zones like South Africa in February.
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) recently proposed new regulations for satellite companies. This follows a warning from ICASA in November 2023, which labeled the import and sale of Starlink terminals in South Africa as illegal and threatened fines.
Despite these setbacks, Starlink’s expansion across the continent continues to progress.