Starlink to launch in Ghana at the end of August

Ghana's National Communications Authority (NCA) has announced that SpaceX's satellite Internet service Starlink will begin operations in the country at the end of August.

The NCA said Starlink's operations will commence at the end of the month because the company concluded all its administrative and licensing procedures with the regulator.

"Starlink will operate locally as Space X Starlink GH LTD," the NCA said in a statement.

The SpaceX-owned company's application to offer satellite broadband services in the West African country was approved in April 2024.

Starlink's African growth

Starlink has been making inroads in different African countries. Earlier this week, it launched a rental option allowing Kenyans to get its kits for US$15 per month.

When Starlink officially launches in Ghana, the service will be present in 12 African countries.

Currently, Starlink is active in Benin, Nigeria, Rwanda, Malawi, Mozambique as well as Zambia, Kenya, Madagascar, Sierra Leone, South Sudan and Eswatini.

Furthermore, the company recently received licenses in Botswana and Zimbabwe.

Starlink's rocky path in Africa

Starlink has made notable progress in Africa.

Recently, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) released a draft proposal to regulate satellite companies like Starlink.

This is a significant development, especially considering that in November 2023, ICASA warned against the import and sale of Starlink terminals in South Africa, labeling it illegal and threatening fines.

Starlink's operations will commence in Ghana because the company concluded all its administrative and licensing procedures with the regulator. (Source: Starlink)

However, Starlink’s journey in Africa has been mixed.

In April, Cameroonian authorities banned the import of Starlink satellite Internet kits and began seizing the equipment at the border.

Additionally, the company disconnected users in unauthorized zones like South Africa in February.

Even with all the pitfalls in Africa, it is clear that Starlink's growth across the continent is not slowing down.

— Matshepo Sehloho, Associate Editor, Connecting Africa