SpaceX CEO Elon Musk tweeted that Starlink has been approved to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband internet access in Nigeria and Mozambique. With the addition of Nigeria and Mozambique, Starlink now operates on every continent, in 32 countries where it has obtained the necessary licenses to provide internet services.
SpaceX has been in talks with Nigeria’s telecommunications regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), since May 2021 to begin the process of obtaining all necessary licenses to deliver Starlink satellite broadband to Nigeria.
Starlinks has received two licenses, including an international gateway license and an Internet Service Provider (ISP) license, which will operate under the name Starlink Internet Services Nigeria Ltd., according to the NCC. In addition, the NCC also confirms that both licenses will come into effect from May 2022. The International Gateway license will be valid for ten years, while the ISP license will be valid for five years, and it can be renewed at the end of the contract.
Starlink service is best suited for low to medium density areas. It can also provide Internet access in areas where broadband is unreliable or unavailable. However, the availability of the service to developing African states has been questioned. The satellite broadband offer includes a $110 monthly subscription and $600 for a full Starlink bundle.