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Ghana is poised to officially launch Elon Musk’s Starlink internet service by the end of August 2024, following the completion of all necessary administrative and licensing procedures by the National Communications Authority (NCA). This development will enable Starlink to offer its high-speed internet services across the country.
Prior to this official approval, some Ghanaians accessed Starlink through a black market, bypassing local restrictions by subscribing to its global roaming service. Now, with the NCA’s green light, the service will be managed by Space X Starlink GH LTD, a subsidiary of Musk’s SpaceX.
Starlink’s technology utilizes a constellation of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, which deliver faster internet speeds compared to traditional satellites. As of April 2024, the network comprised approximately 5,800 LEO satellites, capable of providing download speeds exceeding 100 Mbps in certain regions, making Starlink a formidable competitor in the global internet market.
Despite the promise of improved connectivity, particularly for rural areas with limited internet access, the cost of Starlink’s service could be a significant barrier for many Ghanaians. In Nigeria, for example, the monthly subscription fee is $27, with an initial setup cost of $314, which is considerably higher than local services like Airtel, where 1GB of data costs just $0.68.
As the launch date approaches, it remains to be seen how Starlink’s entry into the Ghanaian market will impact the country’s internet landscape, especially in underserved regions where reliable connectivity is critically needed.
