SpaceX gains a decade-long authorization for Starlink operation in Lesotho
Starlink Expands to Lesotho, Boosting Internet Access in Africa
Starlink, SpaceX's satellite internet service, has made a significant stride in Lesotho, marking its latest expansion in Africa. The Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) has granted Starlink a 10-year license to operate in the country, hailed as a "landmark decision" by the authority [1].
This move is expected to significantly improve internet access in rural and underserved regions of Lesotho, where over 80% of the population currently lacks connectivity. Starlink's low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology is designed to provide high-speed internet without the need for traditional infrastructure, making it ideal for mountainous or remote areas like those found in Lesotho [2].
Lesotho's regulatory framework is more flexible, allowing Starlink to secure its license despite local criticism. However, the approval process was met with opposition from civil society group SECTION 2, who argued that it lacked transparency and failed to address the issue of 100% foreign ownership [3].
The expansion in Lesotho follows a steady rollout across Africa, with Starlink now available in at least 19 African countries, including Nigeria, Mozambique, Liberia, Niger, Zimbabwe, and Somalia [4]. However, South Africa remains in a regulatory limbo, with Starlink yet to receive a license due to barriers such as the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) requirements mandating at least 30% local ownership [5].
Starlink aims to close the internet access gap in Africa by offering connectivity solutions where conventional providers fall short. The company's "Roam Unlimited" subscription allows users to register kits in supported countries (e.g., Lesotho, Mozambique, Eswatini) and roam into neighboring countries where Starlink may not have launched yet, like South Africa [6].
Despite the progress, Africa still lags behind in internet penetration, with only 40% of its 1.3 billion population online [7]. As Starlink and other providers continue to expand their footprint across the continent, bridging this digital divide remains a critical goal.
[1] TechCentral (2023). Starlink gets 10-year licence to operate in Lesotho
[2] SpaceX (n.d.). Starlink in Africa
[3] TechCentral (2023). Starlink's Lesotho licence: What you need to know
[4] TechCabal (2023). Starlink is now available in 18 African countries
[5] TechCentral (2023). Starlink's South Africa launch delayed by regulatory barriers
[6] SpaceX (n.d.). Starlink Roam Unlimited
[7] World Bank (2022). Internet usage, fixed (subscriptions per 100 people)
- The expansion of Starlink's satellite internet service in Lesotho, a landmark decision by the Lesotho Communications Authority, is anticipated to boost the use of science and technology, especially in space-and-astronomy, by improving internet access in rural and underserved regions.
- With Starlink now available in at least 19 African countries, including Lesotho, the company's technology can be instrumental in advancing science, space-and-astronomy, and technology across the continent by bridging the digital divide and promoting high-speed internet access.
