Elon Musk’s Starlink Expands to Chad

In an exciting development for internet access in Africa, Elon Musk’s Starlink has officially launched its satellite internet service in Chad. Musk confirmed this via a post on X (formerly Twitter), in response to news shared by a company employee, Alex. According to Alex, Chad’s Minister of Communications, Boukar Michel, stated that Starlink will address the ongoing issues of internet reliability and cost in the country, which have persisted since early 2024.

Regulatory Background and Setbacks

This launch follows recent friction with Chad’s telecom regulator, ARCEP, which in September warned against unauthorised Starlink services being marketed and operated within Chad. ARCEP’s stringent stance included potential penalties ranging from five-year prison sentences to fines as high as XAF200 million ($325,000), underscoring the need for proper licensing before any official rollout. Notably, a consultation meeting between ARCEP and Starlink recently took place to discuss the company’s compliance as an official Internet Service Provider (ISP) in Chad.

Cost and Pricing Expectations

While Starlink has not released specific pricing for Chad, analysts predict a cost structure similar to recent launches in Botswana and Zimbabwe: $363 for hardware, $24 for shipping, and a $52 monthly subscription. In other African markets, pricing has stirred significant discussions, especially in Nigeria, where Starlink previously announced a 74% increase in hardware costs (from N440,000 to N590,000) and an almost doubled monthly subscription rate. Regulatory backlash led to a suspension of this hike in Nigeria, with Starlink citing “regulatory challenges” and pledging temporary measures until it obtains approval.

Starlink’s Growth Across Africa

With its launch in Chad, Starlink now operates in 18 African nations, including Ghana, South Sudan, and Zimbabwe. The satellite internet service provider has rapidly expanded, now reaching over 122 countries worldwide. However, in South Africa, Starlink faces unique regulatory challenges that have stalled its entry. South Africa’s Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) requirements mandate a 30% local ownership for foreign companies, a policy Starlink has resisted. The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) also cites a lack of application and unresolved licensing issues, leaving the service’s future uncertain in the country.