Editor’s Note: At the time of our review, we reviewed the Starlink Gen 2 Kit. The new Gen 3 Kit is likely to have improved internet performance
In the Ghanaian online space, companies like MTN and Telecel (formerly Vodafone) were the dominant entities offering internet services to individuals, homes and businesses.
Over the years, the space has been shrinking, with consumers having fewer choices for their Internet service with competitors’ outlets.
Starlinkbillionaire’s Space X satellite internet service Elon Musk, has been gaining popularity on the African continent since it first launched in Nigeria in 2023.
Although the service is intended for rural areas that lack or have limited access, there has been a massive outcry over Starlink in Ghana due to limited competition and frequent internet service outages.
On April 25, the National Communications Authority of Ghana officially approved Starlink’s application to operate in Ghana. The service officially started operations in Ghana in September 2024.
We managed to get our hands on the Starlink hardware and have been using the service for a while to judge its performance.
So, is it worth switching your ISP and getting Starlink Internet?
Here’s our review of Starlink in Ghana:
The Material
Starlink hardware consists of two components: The Router and the Satellite Base Station.
The router
The Starlink router has a simple design. On the front, it features an image of a satellite orbiting the Earth with a SpaceX logo at the bottom. Underneath the router is a socket for the power supply and the cable that connects to the Starlink base satellite.
Interestingly, there is no LED indicator on the front of the router, but rather on the bottom to show when it is on when plugged in.
The satellite base station
The standard Starlink (Gen 2) base station is a simple dish with a metal base. It is extremely easy to attach and remove.
Included in the Starlink kit is a fairly long cable that you connect from the dish to the router. When setting up the dish, it is best to place the dish on a high ceiling or in an area unobstructed by trees or tall buildings for maximum performance.
Setting up the hardware is pretty easy. It’s all about setting up the base station in an optimal location (pointing away from trees and tall buildings), plugging the cable into the router, and turning it on.
Once you’ve finished setting up your base station, you can start interacting with Starlink’s web service through its mobile app.
The Starlink app
One of the most impressive things about Starlink is its mobile app. The app lets you control almost every aspect of the Starlink online experience.
The app indicates when Starlink is online and connected. In the app, you can also see which devices are connected to the network, run a speed test, configure your router, view data about your internet service (latency, download speed, etc.) and more.
An interesting aspect of the app is its ability to show consumers if their Starlink dish is obstructed. The dish takes a 3D scan of its surroundings and displays it in the app to alert users of any obstacles to its performance.
The only thing that slows down Starlink’s internet performance is the weather. In a heavy rain, Starlink internet service is almost unusable
Pricing
If you’re thinking about getting Starlink, you’ll be interested in two parts: Starlink hardware pricing and monthly payments.
Starlink hardware
Starlink hardware comes in two variants: The Standard and High performance. Standard is the default model and sells for $599. Starlink is currently charging 5370 GHC for the kit.
| Kind | USD | GHC |
| Starlink Standard Kit | $599 | GHC 5390 |
| Starlink High Performance Kit | $2500 | N/A |
To access the Internet service, you will need to make monthly payments to Starlink. Starlink has two options: Standard pricing and Priority Pricing. Although they are priced at $120 in the US, Ghanaian consumers will pay one monthly charge 770 GHC.
| Kind | USD | GHC |
| Typical monthly cost | $120 | GHC 700 |
| Priority monthly cost | $140/$250/$500 | N/A |
The priority option adds priority support and a Public IP option. The standard option would be our recommended option.
Internet Performance
So how does Starlink fare in terms of internet speed? In a word: Large.
When we first tested the service, we were getting between speeds 120 – 150 Mbps. Upload speeds were approx 18 – 25 Mbps with a 30 ms delay*.
*(The delay is the delay before transferring data between the Starlink dish and its satellites. The lower the latency, the better the performance)
When we tested the service for gaming, the difference between our fiber internet and Starlink was negligible, but our fiber service performed better due to the lower latency.
If you are a serious gamer who plays competitive games on the Internet, Fiber Internet may be the best option. But for streaming and downloading movies, the Starlink’s performance really shines.
The only thing that slows down Starlink’s internet performance is the weather. In a heavy rain, Starlink internet service is almost unusable. Regular rain will reduce performance, but you’ll still be able to get decent internet, albeit at slower speeds.
Is Starlink better than local Ghana internet services?
As much as there is a great clamor for better competition when it comes to internet services, Starlink is unfortunately not going to replace your fiber internet. At least, not for now depending on your needs.
The initial cost for the Starlink device can be a bit steep, especially compared to services like MTN and Telecel which cost around GHC 150 for an installation fee.
However, when it comes to internet speed, there is a bit more competition.
Using our home’s fiber optic internet, we manage 34 Mbps download speed on an average day and get approx 35 Mbps with uploads.
Using Starlink, we succeeded 120 – 150 Mbps on average. However, upload speeds aren’t something to write home about with average speeds 21 Mbps.
However, your local internet service speeds may vary between locations around the country. Some areas in Accra have higher speeds between 100 – 200 Mbps.
However, we have to cut Starlink some slack since the service was intended to provide a broadband solution in underserved areas where traditional wireline or fixed wireless services are not available.
Overall, Starlink’s internet service works as advertised. If you’re hoping it will give MTN and other services a run for their money, we don’t think it will have that effect in the short term.
But how does Starlink stack up against other ISPs in the market? Here’s a quick price and speed breakdown of other ISPS compared to Starlink.
Final Thoughts
We put the Starlink internet service through its paces and we’re happy to report that it excelled. Starlink’s internet service provides fiber-like speeds for home internet use, and the easy setup makes you forget the device is even there.
But the entry price will be prohibitive for the average Ghanaian user looking for alternative options for internet service. Also, there is no local customer service unless you go online. So if you’re having problems with Starlink hardware, you may be on your own until a local retailer that specializes in repairs can be found.
There are various instances of Starlink being used in other parts of the country, including schools where internet service is largely unavailable. Hotels and Airbnbs in out-of-town locations can also make use of Starlink for their users.
Overall, Starlink’s internet service works as advertised. If you are hoping it will give MTN and other services a run for their money, we don’t think it will have that effect in the short term, especially with the average Ghanaian.
However, if you have enough disposable income, purchasing a Starlink service is not difficult at all, especially if you have a backup with your fiber broadband.
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