The government of Ghana is exploring the possibility of granting SpaceX’s Starlink an operational license to provide internet connectivity to its populace. Minister of Communications, Ursula Owusu Ekuful, disclosed this during a recent parliamentary meeting concerning the prevailing internet disruptions in the country.
According to a report by Modern Ghana, Minister Ekuful elucidated that while awaiting the repair of damaged undersea cables—a process anticipated to take approximately five weeks—the ministry is open to licensing additional satellite internet service providers to mitigate the challenges faced by users.
“Starlink is in the process of being licensed,” the minister stated. “And other operators are encouraged to establish operations in Ghana. We should also consider activating RASCOM (Regional African Satellite Company) instead of each entity operating independently,” she added.
Ghana is among over 40 African nations without access to Starlink satellite internet. As of October 2023, Starlink officially operates in seven African countries: Nigeria, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, Malawi, and Zambia. Prospective customers from these countries can directly order routers from the Starlink website.
In regions where Starlink’s service hasn’t yet been formally introduced, users can access it through global or regional roaming by importing the necessary equipment from countries where Starlink operates. However, this option entails slightly higher costs compared to using the service in the country of registration.
Moreover, 25 African countries previously without specific availability dates are slated to receive Starlink by the end of 2024.
However, the National Communication Authority of Ghana issued a warning in December 2023, urging citizens to refrain from using Starlink’s equipment or services. The authority directed individuals involved in sales or service operations related to Starlink to cease immediately. This directive followed reports of intermediaries allegedly inflating the cost of satellite internet service installations.
The agency’s action was prompted by Starlink’s failure to obtain a license or gain equipment type approval before commencing operations. Consequently, Ghana’s telecommunications regulator deemed the sale of Starlink equipment and its operations illegal, citing a violation of the Electronic Communications Act 2008 (Act 775).
South Africa is notably absent from the list of upcoming availabilities, possibly due to regulatory requirements mandating telecom licensees to be at least 30% owned by historically disadvantaged groups. Consequently, Starlink designated the nation as a low-priority market.
Starlink has taken steps to disconnect numerous customers in South Africa, where the service is prohibited, citing breaches of terms of use. This underscores the company’s commitment to enforcing its policies. However, uncertainties linger regarding the fate of users in other African nations, like Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Botswana, where the service is also banned.
The challenges in regulating satellite internet services underscore the intricate legal landscapes across Africa, posing formidable hurdles for service providers like Starlink.