Somalia has officially granted an operational license to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service, marking a significant development for the nation’s digital connectivity. The move, confirmed on Sunday after more than two years of discussions, paves the way for improved internet access, particularly in underserved areas of the country.
Elon Musk announced the news via his social media platform X, simply stating, “Starlink now in Somalia!” The announcement was further detailed by Somalia’s Ministry of Telecommunications and the state news agency, SONNA.
In a video statement released by SONNA, Mustafa Yasiin, Director of Communication in the telecommunications ministry, confirmed the lengthy dialogue leading up to the approval. “We gave them the license today,” Yasiin stated on Sunday. “We hope Starlink will increase the quality of the existing internet in Somalia and will make the internet service reach more remote areas.”
Starlink, operated by SpaceX, utilizes a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to deliver broadband internet. This technology is particularly effective in regions where traditional ground-based infrastructure is lacking or unreliable, making it a potentially ideal solution for Somalia, where vast rural areas often lack connectivity.
According to 2022 World Bank data, only around 30% of Somalia’s population had internet access, with existing services frequently hampered by fragile infrastructure. The entry of Starlink is thus seen as a potentially transformative step.
The Somali government hailed the licensing as a “historic day for Somalia’s communications and technology sectors” in a statement released via SONNA.
This development in Somalia also highlights the broader push to bridge the digital divide across Africa. The arrival of Starlink is expected to significantly boost Somalia’s capacity to support vital services like education, remote work, healthcare, and e-commerce, particularly in areas previously cut off from reliable internet access. While challenges remain, the launch signals growing international engagement with Somalia’s developing technology sector.
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