Starlink Given Operational Licenses by Somalia for Operations
In a significant move for Somalia, the Somalia National Communications Authority (NCA) has granted an operational license to Starlink, a low-earth orbit satellite internet provider, on April 13, 2025. This decision is poised to significantly transform internet access in the country, particularly in underserved rural and nomadic communities, bridging the digital divide that has long hindered economic and social development.
The rapid deployment of Starlink's satellite internet is expected to reshape Somalia’s digital landscape by offering high-speed, low-latency broadband nationwide, including previously unconnected areas. This development comes at a time when only about 30% of Somalia had internet access as of 2024.
The swift regulatory approval of Starlink's operational license contrasts sharply with delays in regional peers like South Africa and Kenya, positioning Somalia as a leader in satellite internet adoption in Africa. The service is set to become nationally available just four months after the license grant, a testament to the country's progressive approach towards digital development.
Starlink's entry into Somalia aims to address the country’s long-standing lack of reliable broadband, which affects around 70% of its population. This connectivity is expected to empower local governments, schools, businesses, and individuals by providing more consistent internet access in both urban and remote areas.
Authorities view Starlink as a catalyst for socio-economic growth and digital infrastructure improvement. Access to better internet could facilitate education, commerce, healthcare, and government services, encouraging broader digital transformation aligned with Somalia’s National ICT Policy and Strategy (2019–2024).
However, the service costs about $70 per month with a $390 hardware fee, which is higher than many local providers. This pricing may limit accessibility for lower-income segments, but it offers a premium option with higher speed and lower latency. The presence of Starlink could pressure local telecoms, potentially leading to competition or concerns over digital sovereignty and foreign control of critical infrastructure.
As discussions comparing Somalia’s experience with other countries like India highlight different partnership models that may mitigate risks, there is ongoing debate in Somalia about the balance between opportunity and potential threats to local digital ecosystems.
In summary, Starlink's entry into Somalia is expected to revolutionize internet access by enabling widespread connectivity in a country long held back by poor infrastructure and conflict, potentially spurring economic development and digital inclusion, albeit with challenges around cost and impacts on local telecom markets.
The rapid integration of Starlink's technology into Somalia's digital landscape could potentially propel the development of artificial intelligence and space-and-astronomy research, as increased connectivity would facilitate the transfer of data and resources.
With Starlink's high-speed, low-latency broadband service now available, science and technology education in Somalia might witness a significant upgrade, fostering a new generation of innovators in fields like artificial intelligence and space exploration.
