Nigeria is the largest telecommunications market in Africa. Its market potential attracts foreign investors amid strong demand for high-speed connectivity and the acceleration of digital transformation.
U.S SpaceX’s Starlink satellite Internet network will officially launch operations in Nigeria next August. The information was disclosed by Elon Musk in a Twitter post published last Sunday, July 24.
Subscription to its satellite internet services requires the acquisition of a starter kit and monthly subscriptions whose values are yet to be disclosed. According to the company’s website, in Nigeria, the starter kit will cost US$99, which is significantly lower than the US$599 Space X sells its starter kits in the U.S., where its monthly subscription costs US$110.
Starlink started prospecting the Nigerian telecom market in May 2021, in the framework of its African expansion plan, amid growing demand for high-speed connectivity. It also targeted South Africa and Zimbabwe, among other markets.
One year later, it struck an agreement with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which awarded it two licenses. Notably, it received an international gateway license and an Internet Service Provider (ISP) license for 10 years and five years respectively. The licenses allow it to provide high-speed Internet connectivity through its over 2,000-satellite constellation orbiting the Earth.
With the official launch of its operations in Nigeria, Starlink will allow broadband access to every Nigerian, even those living in the most remote and landlocked areas. The company is also expected to contribute to the Nigerian government's goal of covering 90% of the country with broadband by 2025 as part of its digital transformation plan. However, this ambition could be slowed down by the cost of services, which is out of reach for the average Nigerian, especially if they live in rural areas.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
From Dakar to Nairobi, Kampala to Abidjan, mobile money has become a lifeline for millions of Africa...
• WAEMU posts 0.9% deflation in July, second month in a row• Food, hospitality prices drop; alcohol,...
Airtel Gabon, Moov sign deal to share telecom infrastructure Agreement aims to cut costs, boo...
Vision Invest invests $700m in Arise IIP, Africa’s largest private infrastructure deal in 202...
As a relatively small issuer in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) market, Benin i...
South Africa anchors African bonds with liquidity, but yields lag Ghana and Zambia. Ghana and Zambia deliver 20%+ yields, driving bond rallies despite...
• UN urges shift from arms to human development in Africa • Military spending rises, deepening poverty and fiscal strain • Region needs $70B...
Lomé begins dredging to handle larger container ships Port traffic hits record 2 million TEUs in 2024 Strategic hub for regional transshipment and...
Malawi votes in high-stakes presidential election Tuesday Economic crisis, inflation dominate voter concerns Chakwera faces Mutharika, Banda in tight...
Surprisingly, only one African song made it onto Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The track is "Essence," a collaboration...
The Umhlanga Festival, also known as the “Reed Dance,” is one of the most iconic cultural events in the Kingdom of Eswatini in Southern Africa. Every...