- Starlink’s application to operate in Botswana has been rejected, adding more problems for the internet company on the African continent
- SpaceX’s Starlink submitted its application for a May 2023 launch, but the country’s regulator was not satisfied
- Nigeria became the first African country to adopt Starlink service, a feat achieved on January 31, 2023
Legit.ng reporter Dave Ibemere has over a decade of experience covering technology, energy, stocks, investments and the economy.
Operating Starlink in Africa continues to prove difficult, thanks to regulatory challenges on the continent.
The most recent setback comes from Botswana, which refused approval for Starlink to begin operations.
Source: Facebook
Tech Cabal states that the Botswana Communications Authority was not fully satisfied with Starlink’s application submitted and requested more information.
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However, the report noted that Starlink has yet to submit the requested information for approval.
An insider quoted in the report said:
“There were issues with missing requirements with the application which were identified and flagged. They have not yet responded to the issues.”
African countries reject Starlink
Botswana is the first African country to reject Starlink, and South Africa and Zimbabwe have also banned its service.
For South Africa, the country’s regulator said the ban was a result of non-compliance with a legal requirement outlined in the Electronic Communications Act (ECA).
orders of the EAC that Historically Disadvantaged Groups (HDGs) must own 30% of a company to be able to obtain the necessary telecommunications licenses to operate a broadband service locally.
For Zimbabwe, its lawmakers rejected Starlink’s application, citing an EU investigation into X, Elon Musk’s social networking platform.
Despite this setback, Starlink holds licenses in Zambia, Eswatini, Mozambique, Malawi, Nigeria and Kenya, among others.
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Starlink internet service live in Nigeria
Earlier Legit.ng reported that SpaceX announced that Starlink Internet Service is now live in Nigeria, the first African country to receive the service.
The company said Nigerians can now enjoy its services in the country.
Punch reported that the company announced that subscribers to its service will pay about N19,260 per month and N274,098 for hardware.
Source: Legit.ng