Starlink, the satellite internet constellation being developed by SpaceX, targets Africa’s coverage in late 2021 and 2022.
Only Nigeria may expect the late 2021 launch, while other African countries should have access to Starlink satellite internet service in 2022. To be part of the early users, you have to join the “Better Than Nothing” beta programme because it takes about six months to fulfil a pre-order. You can pre-order on the Starlink website for a refundable $99. The Starlink kit, which includes a mounting tripod, WiFi router, and terminal to connect to the satellites, costs $499.
It is important to note that coverage across countries would vary (see satellites map). With only about 1,300 satellites launched as of February, “users can expect to see data speeds vary from 50 Megabit per second to 150Mbps and latency from 20 milliseconds to 40ms… There will also be brief periods of no connectivity at all”, Starlink says on its website.
Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX—the parent company of Starlink, has said speed will double to ~300Mbps, and latency will drop to 20ms later this year. He added that Starlink targets most of the populated Earth by the end of 2021 and total coverage by 2022. Thereafter, it would be “about densifying coverage”, Musk said.
Starlink’s goal is to have about 42,000 satellites constellation in orbit by 2027. But the Federal Communications Commission and the International Telecommunication Union have approved only 12,000 of its satellites.
What are the limitations of Starlink satellite internet?
Satellite internet is best for low to medium population density areas. It can also provide internet access to areas where broadband is unreliable or unavailable. However, with a monthly subscription of $99 (that’s about ₦37,000, which is more than the ₦30,000 minimum wage) and $499 (~₦190,000) for the Starlink kit, most people in developing countries may not be able to afford it.
Hence, some analysts had criticised the satellite internet project. They argue that Starlink and its ilks won’t deliver internet access at prices people in developing countries can afford. “It’s a bit like trying to make up for lack of roads by building cars that don’t need them “, Mark Summer, CEO of EveryLayer, told Wired.
Facebook and some of the world’s largest telecom carriers, including China Mobile Ltd, heeded satellite internet critics’ advice to deploy the internet the old-fashioned way, especially in developing countries. In May 2020, Facebook announced that it has partnered with leading African and global operators to build 2Africa, the most comprehensive subsea cable to serve the African continent and the Middle East region.
The regulatory framework SpaceX would have to comply with to operate Starlink in African countries is also unclear. For instance, it is required to obtain a licence before it can operate in South Africa.
Last month, the Independent Communication Authority of South Africa (ICASA) said it is having discussions with SpaceX regarding Starlink. Because to operate Starlink in South Africa, SpaceX would need to obtain an Individual Electronic Communications Network Service (I-ECNS) and Individual Electronics Communications Service licence.
Daniel is a lifelong prolific learner.
Hi
I’m from Somalia i will interest the Transmission through my date if possible to get our counters
That’s why Safemoon will work together with Starlink to provide internet to the whole Africa.
This is a good idea. For some more clarity. How many internet devices can one Starlink kit support whilst still maintaining 150Mbps speed.
If Starlink launches it will be all at once. For all of Africa. Not just Nigeria, but if they have to go step by step to get infrastructure like ground stations on African soil then it would first go through South Africa, Kenya and North African countries rather than Nigeria. My country of SA has a large population that lives in rural areas and can afford the $100 monthly fee. Not being biased, just stating the facts.
If you use the popular Starlink Satellite tracker you can see that it is quite often that Nigeria loses full coverage from one of the passing satellites whereas SA almost always has coverage.
They did the same in Chile, they launched it there to get a hand on the South American continent and they would do the same with Africa.
I am from Cameroon and would love to have the starlink service there. Probably as someone said, the would launch in SA first and maybe Nigeria/Ghana next before covering the rest of the continent.
Note that Cameroon host few Satellite operators already and Starlink will be a natural fit. A good number of the population can afford the $100 MRC.
But Africa being an interconnected Land already, a presence of Starlink on the African soil (any country) will be a WIN for all africans as it will enable more users to join the Global Village/Network more reliably.
I will see if I can pre-order my kit.
Looking forward to it.
I have seen quite a few of these people asking who would buy Starlink in places like Kenya, Nigeria etc. Frustratingly most of the coverage has been negative about who in Africa would possibly afford such a luxury of fast unlimited internet.
It’s probably true that the average person wouldn’t buy Starlink but it’s not intended for the average person. It is for rural communities with no other alternatives. Whether it’s an SME in a remote location or a community that comes together to share the cost or a coworking community somewhere remote and beautiful.
There will be plenty of applications and having a more competitive market will be good for consumers indirectly as incumbents have to adapt to stay relevant.
This myth that Africans can’t afford things is ridiculous. Most people pay rent 6-12 moths in advance for properties costing over $100 and if they cant do it as an individual, they share the rooms as they do in the west (shared accommodation) and pay the cost. I’m sure that same household and/or building could share the cost of connecting making it affordable for all.
People can use this easily accessible and high speed connection to carry out remote work and increase their income. Should a farmer not buy a tool that will increase his yield because its expensive?
Poverty is widespread in Africa, true, but so is ingenuity and adaptation. Give the people the tools to better their lives and they will and Starlink is doing what many others aren’t who complain – Providing an opportunity!!
P.s. Hoping to see it in Cameroon (especially) and Ghana asap