Ghana's NCA approves Starlink's application for broadband services

The National Communications Authority (NCA) has approved the application of Space X Starlink to offer satellite broadband services in Ghana.

This comes as the Satellite Licensing Framework was approved by the West African country's Ministry of Communications and Digitalization.

"The National Communications Authority (NCA) has approved the application of Space X Starlink GH LTD, operators of Starlink Satellite Broadband, to offer Satellite Broadband Services in Ghana," the NCA said in a statement.

The NCA added that administrative processes towards issuing Starlink a license are ongoing and will be completed shortly.

The recent announcement by Ghana's regulator comes as Starlink was preparing to cease connection in the West African country from April 30, 2024, due to it not having the required license.

According to local media Modern Ghana, Starlink sent out an email to customers saying that continuing to operate without approval would violate its terms of service.

The NCA said that the administrative processes towards issuing Starlink a license are ongoing and will be completed shortly.(Source: Image by wirestock on Freepik).

Ghana's Communications and Digitalization Minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful assured the country in March that Starlink was in the process of getting a license.

Starlink making headway in Africa

The NCA's Starlink announcement follows the West African country warning its citizens against the operation of Starlink as well as the use of any of its equipment in December 2023.

Ghanaian complications aside, Starlink has been making headway in other African countries.

Just last week, Africa Mobile Networks Group (AMN) announced that its first basestation in Nigeria to connect to SpaceX’s Starlink constellation was now live and using the LEO satellite network for backhaul connectivity.

However, in February 2024, the company cut off hundreds of South African users over alleged trademark and copyright violations.

Even though Starlink's guidelines prohibit unlicensed import and resale in countries where its services have not yet launched, resellers like Starsat Africa allow users to buy Starlink roaming packages available in licensed countries.

Starlink has entered several African countries, including Benin, Nigeria, Rwanda, Malawi, Kenya, Mozambique and Zambia.

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— Matshepo Sehloho, Associate Editor, Connecting Africa