• Authorities suspended the roaming use of Starlink kits that do not comply with national regulations.

• The government cited security, traceability, and regulatory compliance concerns.

• Starlink launched commercially in March 2026 in a market where internet penetration remains below 14%.

The government of the Central African Republic views Starlink as an opportunity to reduce the country’s digital divide. However, authorities have moved to tighten oversight of its usage. According to the International Telecommunication Union, about 86% of the population lacked internet access in 2024.

Authorities announced last week the suspension of the “roaming” mode used by Starlink satellite internet kits. This mechanism allows users to operate equipment purchased in another country, but regulators consider it non-compliant with the national legal framework.

“Indeed, any telecommunications equipment used in the Central African Republic must undergo approval by the competent authorities in order to ensure compliance with applicable national and international technical standards. Starlink kits operating in roaming mode had not, at this stage, met all the required conditions within this framework,” a statement dated Thursday, April 23 and signed by Justin Gourna Zacko, Minister of Digital Economy, Posts and Telecommunications, said.

The government also justified the measure on national security grounds. Authorities aim to better identify and control active equipment across the territory, ensure traceability of users and their activities, and prevent unauthorized or improper use of communication devices.

The decision comes as some subscribers attempt to bypass relatively high equipment costs by importing new or second-hand Starlink kits from markets where prices are lower or availability is higher. At the same time, other users rely on roaming mode to access the service before its official rollout in the country.

Starlink launched its commercial services in the Central African Republic in March 2026 after securing regulatory approval in December 2025. Authorities plan to leverage satellite technology to improve connectivity, particularly in rural areas. According to the International Telecommunication Union, only 13.8% of the population used the internet in 2024.

At launch, the company set the monthly subscription at CFA33,000 (about $59), excluding a 19% value-added tax. The standard kit costs CFA240,000, while the “Mini” version costs CFA123,000.

This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum