Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink is set to officially commence operations in Ghana by the end of August 2024 under the name of Space X Starlink GH LTD.
This development follows the successful completion of all administrative and licensing procedures with Ghana telecoms and internet service regulator, the National Communications Authority (NCA), a statement from NCA said.
The NCA granted Space X’s Starlink regulatory approval in April this year to provide satellite broadband services in the country. The approval was made possible after the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation introduced a new policy known as the Satellite Licensing Framework, which paved the way for Starlink’s entry into the Ghanaian market.
Although Starlink has been active in Ghana for some time, it had previously operated without regulatory approval. The NCA had earlier declared the sale and use of Starlink starter packs and services in Ghana as illegal due to the lack of a proper license. However, the NCA has since been working closely with Starlink to ensure that all regulatory processes are followed to secure a full license, which is now complete.
The urgency to license Starlink was heightened following a significant internet outage in Ghana caused by disruptions on four subsea cables. In response, the Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, announced that the licensing process for Starlink was being fast-tracked to introduce their satellite technology as an alternative to existing fibre-based and microwave-based broadband services.
Prior to this, the Minister had hinted at a forum in Dubai that Ghana was considering licensing space technology companies like Space X to operate in the country alongside traditional telecom providers. This initiative led to the development of the Satellite Licensing Framework, ultimately facilitating Starlink’s approval.
As Starlink prepares to launch in Ghana, MTN Ghana, the leading telecom operator, has expressed its view of Starlink as a potential partner rather than a competitor, citing that Starlink is still in the early stages and will require significant infrastructure to achieve nationwide coverage particularly if it wants to provide direct satellite to mobile services.
This far, Starlink’s starter packs and monthly subscriptions are relatively more expensive than what the regular operators offer. But for the value it offers, Starlink is generally seen as a package which is good for businesses and not necessarily for domestic purposes, due to the cost.
However, industry analysts suggest that if Starlink advances to the point of implementing a data democratisation policy, it could present serious competition to existing telecom companies and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Ghana.
