Chad has granted licensing approval to Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet provider, aiming to improve internet access across the central African country. Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, has expanded into several African nations but often encounters regulatory hurdles and resistance from state-run telecom monopolies.
“We have been in discussions with Starlink since 2021, and we’ve now reached an agreement on the essentials,” Chad’s Communications Minister, Boukar Michel, said. This new agreement is expected to significantly enhance Chad’s internet coverage, especially in remote areas lacking fiber optic infrastructure.
“A large part of our territory is not covered by fibre optics, and I believe that Starlink will help us bridge this gap,” Michel said. According to the latest World Bank data, only 12% of Chad’s population had internet access in 2022.
Minister Michel emphasised that the partnership with Starlink could accelerate Chad’s digital transformation, allowing for improved public services and fostering the growth of tech start-ups. “A large part of our territory is not covered by fiber optics, and I believe that Starlink will help us bridge this gap,” he said.
Elon Musk announced the expansion on Monday, posting, “Starlink now available in Chad!” on X (formerly Twitter). Starlink already operates in several African countries, including Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Mozambique, and Malawi.
However, regulatory challenges persist for Starlink in other parts of the continent. Earlier this year, Cameroon ordered the seizure of Starlink equipment at its ports due to licensing issues. In Kenya, the leading telecom provider Safaricom has urged regulators to consider requiring satellite internet providers like Starlink to partner with local mobile network operators.
Starlink’s entry into Chad marks a significant step toward expanding internet access across the continent, with the potential to connect underserved communities and support economic development.
Melissa Enoch
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