SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service starts operation in Guinea-Bissau, expanding its coverage in West Africa
SpaceX's satellite internet service, Starlink, has made a significant stride in West Africa by launching operations in Guinea-Bissau. This move aligns with national goals to accelerate digital inclusion and infrastructure development in the less connected nation.
Starlink, which currently serves over six million users worldwide, is now operational in over 140 countries globally. The company's launch in Guinea-Bissau marks its 22nd market across Africa overall and its seventh in West Africa.
Officials from the country's telecoms regulator, ARN-TIC, have hailed the launch as a "significant step" in Guinea-Bissau's digital transformation journey. The country, one of West Africa's least connected, is expected to see a significant boost in connectivity with Starlink's entry.
Internet penetration in Guinea-Bissau stands at 30% as of 2025. With Starlink's high-speed internet service, offering speeds between 50-250 Mbps, the country aims to bridge the digital divide and improve internet access for its citizens.
The monthly residential plan for Starlink in Guinea-Bissau is FCFA 36,000 (USD 63), with an additional FCFA 18,000 (USD 31/month) for a 250 GB package. The Minikit for Starlink costs FCFA 117,000 (USD 205), while the Standard Kit is priced at FCFA 228,000 (USD 400).
Starlink's expansion into Guinea-Bissau is part of its ongoing global growth. The company has secured licenses in Somalia and Lesotho, where launches are expected soon. It is also close to launching officially in India, having secured preliminary regulatory approval from Indian authorities.
Starlink's satellite constellation currently includes over 7,600 active satellites in low Earth orbit, with plans to increase that number to nearly 12,000 or possibly up to 34,400 in the future. The company's aggressive launch cadence, constant network upgrades, and expansion of ground infrastructure aim toward true global broadband and even global mobile connectivity.
With Starlink's launch in Guinea-Bissau, the company continues to expand its reach, bringing high-speed internet to more underserved regions around the world.
The entry of Starlink in Guinea-Bissau, a less connected nation in West Africa, not only aligns with national goals of digital inclusion but also marks a significant stride in space-and-astronomy, as the company's satellite internet service is a testament to the power of technology and finance, driving advancements in connectivity and infrastructure development globally.
