Starlink Starts Operations in Botswana, Ghana After Securing Licenses
TLDR
- Starlink, SpaceX's satellite internet service, granted operating license in Botswana after a complex approval process.
- Botswana becomes the sixth Southern African country to host Starlink, following Zambia, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, and Madagascar.
- Ban lifted in Botswana for Starlink services after meeting between SpaceX and Botswana's president, with operations to begin in Ghana by August.
Starlink, SpaceX's satellite internet service, has been granted an operating license in Botswana, marking a significant step in its rocky African expansion. The approval, announced this week, follows a complex process that began with an application in May 2023 and a recent announcement that Starlink will begin operations in Ghana by the end of August.
Botswana initially rejected the application in February 2024, citing missing information and imposing a ban on the use and sale of Starlink services. The ban was lifted in May after a meeting between SpaceX representatives and Botswana's president at a US business event.
Botswana is set to become the sixth Southern African country to host Starlink, joining Zambia, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, and Madagascar. Meanwhile, it cut off users in South Africa who were accessing the service via regional roaming.
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Key Takeaways
Starlink’s progress in securing an operating license in Botswana represents a critical step in its broader African expansion, reflecting the company's growing footprint across the continent. Despite regulatory challenges, including a temporary ban, Starlink's persistence has paid off, allowing it to add another country to its service map. However, the service’s high cost could limit its reach in the low-income, remote areas it aims to serve. Starlink's introduction of a rental plan in Kenya is a strategic move to overcome these barriers, potentially boosting adoption among users who may find the upfront costs prohibitive. As Starlink continues to expand across Africa, its ability to balance affordability with access will be crucial to its success.
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