SOMALIA GRANTS STARLINK LICENSE TO OPERATE NATIONWIDE

Mogadishu, 13 April 2025 – Somalia’s National Communications Authority (NCA) has officially granted a licence to Starlink, the satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, allowing the company to operate across the entire country. The move is seen as a significant step toward improving digital infrastructure and connectivity in one of the least connected regions in the world.

At a formal signing ceremony held in the capital, Mogadishu, Starlink representatives confirmed that preparations are underway to begin rolling out the service in both urban and rural areas. Officials say the arrival of the satellite-based internet provider will enable millions of Somalis — particularly in underserved and remote communities — to access reliable internet for the first time.

Bridging the Digital Divide

Somalia has long struggled with limited internet access due to underdeveloped infrastructure and decades of political instability. While internet penetration has improved in recent years, much of the rural population remains disconnected. The partnership with Starlink is expected to address this gap by leveraging low-Earth orbit satellite technology that does not rely on traditional ground infrastructure.

“This is a transformative moment for Somalia’s digital future,” said Mustafa Yasin, Director General of the NCA. “By licensing Starlink to operate nationally, we are enabling faster, more affordable internet access to our citizens — from cities to the most isolated villages.”

Starlink’s constellation of thousands of satellites orbiting the Earth at low altitudes enables high-speed internet access in areas where conventional broadband services are either unavailable or prohibitively expensive.

Strategic Implications for Development

Analysts have welcomed the development as a potential catalyst for growth across multiple sectors, including education, healthcare, commerce, and public services. Improved internet access could also enhance governance, facilitate emergency communication, and support humanitarian operations in Somalia’s more vulnerable regions.

“This agreement marks a new era for Somalia,” said telecommunications expert Fatima Abdulle, speaking from Nairobi. “The ability to connect schools, clinics, and small businesses to reliable internet has far-reaching implications for economic development and social inclusion.”

In addition to its development goals, the Somali government is also looking to attract foreign investment in the country’s telecommunications and tech sectors, with this move expected to build investor confidence in the nation’s regulatory and digital readiness.

Looking Ahead

Starlink has already launched operations in several African nations, including Nigeria, Rwanda, and Kenya. Its entry into Somalia adds to the growing footprint of satellite internet providers on the continent, which has historically lagged behind in global connectivity metrics.

The company has stated that user terminals — the equipment needed to access the service — will become available in Somalia within the coming months. Details on pricing and distribution logistics are expected to be released soon.

While some challenges remain — such as affordability for lower-income users and the need for public awareness — the government says it is committed to supporting nationwide digital access through policy and infrastructure support.

As the rollout begins, Somalia joins a growing list of nations turning to next-generation satellite technologies to bridge the digital divide and bring internet access to all corners of the country.\

Source: Bloomberg

Writer @Erlin

Erlin is an experienced crypto writer who loves to explore the intersection of blockchain technology and financial markets. She regularly provides insights into the latest trends and innovations in the digital currency space.

 

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