Starlink Secures ISP License in Somalia: A Leap Forward in Connectivity

Somalia has officially granted an operational license to Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite Internet arm, in a landmark move to improve digital access across the country. The announcement was made during a ceremony in Mogadishu attended by government officials and Starlink representatives.

The Minister of Communications and Technology, Mohamed Adan Moalin, emphasized the government’s push toward digital inclusion:

“We are pleased to welcome Starlink to our country. This step supports our goal of ensuring all Somalis, wherever they are, have access to affordable and far-reaching Internet services.”

While Somalia is already linked to undersea cables like the Eastern Africa Submarine Cable System (EASSy) and Djibouti Africa Regional Express (DARE1), terrestrial Internet infrastructure remains limited, particularly in remote and nomadic regions. Starlink’s satellite-based service, powered by a constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites, offers a solution that bypasses the need for extensive ground installations—making it ideal for Somalia’s geography.

Bridging the Connectivity Gap—But at What Cost?

Starlink’s entry brings hope for meaningful improvements in sectors such as education, telemedicine, commerce, and even government services. With better connectivity, Somali citizens could gain access to global resources, virtual classrooms, online marketplaces, and more.

However, affordability will be a significant hurdle. With monthly plans ranging between $80 and $120, and Somalia’s average annual income falling below $500, the service may remain out of reach for many. Without local subsidies, tailored pricing models, or collaborative initiatives to ease the financial burden, those in greatest need of Internet access may still be left behind.

Part of a Broader African Strategy

Starlink’s expansion into Somalia is part of a larger strategy to increase its footprint across Africa. The company has already launched services in over 20 African countries, including recent entries into Niger and Liberia. As the continent continues to struggle with low Internet penetration rates, satellite-based connectivity could be instrumental in narrowing the digital divide.

For Somalia, this partnership could mark the beginning of a new chapter—one in which digital connectivity becomes a catalyst for national development. But the success of this rollout will depend not just on technological readiness, but on whether solutions are put in place to make it inclusive and accessible for all.