Telecom

Nigeria: Starlink to commence commercial operations next month

Nigeria: Starlink to commence commercial operations next month
Wednesday, 27 July 2022 14:50

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

On the same topic
Mauritania warns three telecoms over poor service in 62 locations Demands compliance in 30 days or face new sanctions Operators previously...
AXIAN and four VCs poured €3M into Nucleon to expand AI cyber-defenses across Africa. Nucleon’s self-learning Zero-Trust platform already...
• Morocco, Mistral AI sign deal to boost local AI expertise• Partnership targets training, research, and ethical AI adoption• Strategy aims for 270,000...
• Zambia building 152 new telecom towers, 40 already in service• Airtel, IHS and regulator ICTA lead rollout to boost rural connectivity• Project aims to...
Most Read
01

From Dakar to Nairobi, Kampala to Abidjan, mobile money has become a lifeline for millions of Africa...

Africa's Boundless Future: How a simple mobile phone became a pocket bank for millions
02

• WAEMU posts 0.9% deflation in July, second month in a row• Food, hospitality prices drop; alcohol,...

WAEMU Region Records Second Straight Month of Deflation, at -0.9% in July 
03

Airtel Gabon, Moov sign deal to share telecom infrastructure Agreement aims to cut costs, boo...

Gabon’s Airtel, Moov to Share Towers Under Govt-Brokered Deal
04

Vision Invest invests $700m in Arise IIP, Africa’s largest private infrastructure deal in 202...

Saudi Arabia’s 2025 Shopping List Now Includes Industrial Parks in Africa — With a $700 Million Entry Ticket
05

As a relatively small issuer in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) market, Benin i...

How Benin, a Small West African Nation, Became a Darling of Regional Debt Markets
Enter your email to receive our newsletter

Ecofin Agency provides daily coverage of nine key African economic sectors: public management, finance, telecoms, agribusiness, mining, energy, transport, communication, and education.
It also designs and manages specialized media, both online and print, for African institutions and publishers.

SALES & ADVERTISING

regie@agenceecofin.com 
Tél: +41 22 301 96 11 
Mob: +41 78 699 13 72


EDITORIAL
redaction@agenceecofin.com

More information
Team
Publisher

ECOFIN AGENCY

Mediamania Sarl
Rue du Léman, 6
1201 Geneva
Switzerland

 

Ecofin Agency is a sector-focused economic news agency, founded in December 2010. Its web platform was launched in June 2011. ©Mediamania.

 
 

Please publish modules in offcanvas position.