- The Republic of Chad has approved the licensing of Elon Musk's satellite Internet provider, Starlink, aiming to enhance Internet access across the central African nation.
- This development comes after discussions that began in 2021 and marks a significant step towards bridging the digital divide, as only 12% of Chad's population had Internet access in 2022.
- Starlink's satellite technology will help cover regions lacking fibre optics, facilitating digitalization of public services and fostering tech innovation in remote areas.
Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, operates a constellation of low-Earth-orbit satellites designed to deliver high-speed Internet services globally. Its entry into Chad is expected to provide a substantial boost to the nation's digital infrastructure, facilitating the digitalisation of public services and fostering the growth of tech startups.
Chad's Communications Minister, Boukar Michel, emphasised the importance of this partnership, stating, "A large part of our territory is not covered by fibre optics, and I believe that Starlink will help us bridge this gap."
This approval is part of Starlink's broader strategy to expand its services across Africa. The company has already launched operations in several African countries, including Nigeria, Mozambique, Zambia, Kenya, Botswana and Malawi. However, it has faced regulatory challenges in some regions, such as Cameroon, which ordered the seizure of Starlink equipment at ports due to licensing issues.
The introduction of Starlink's services in Chad is anticipated to have a transformative impact on the country's digital landscape. By providing reliable Internet access, it can enhance educational opportunities, improve healthcare delivery, and stimulate economic growth through the development of digital businesses.
As Starlink continues to expand across Africa, the growing competition between it and traditional ISPs will shape the continent’s Internet pricing. The company is still expanding rapidly across Africa, with its latest entry into Zimbabwe and Burundi in September 2024.
The success of this initiative will depend on effective implementation and the ability to navigate the regulatory environments of the respective countries.
In summary, Chad's approval of Starlink's operations represents a pivotal moment in the nation's digital development journey. By leveraging advanced satellite technology, Chad aims to overcome existing connectivity challenges and unlock new opportunities for its population in the digital age.
