Starlink, Elon Musk-owned satellite internet constellation, has officially launched its service in Cape Verde, expanding its footprint across the African continent.
This development positions the African country as the 117th country and the 18th in Africa to adopt Starlink’s low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite-based connectivity solution. This move underscores Starlink’s mission to bring high-speed internet connectivity to underserved regions across the globe.
Announcing Starlink’s entry to Cape Verde, Elon Musk wrote on X,
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“Starlink now in Cape Verde”.
Starlink recent entry into the West African country, is coming after in October 2024, Cape Verde’s regulatory authority, Agência Reguladora Multissectorial da Economia (ARME), authorized Starlink to provide electronic communications services worldwide, emphasizing the importance of competition and quality in the communications sector.
In recent years, Cape Verde has made significant strides in improving its internet connectivity. However, there is a noticeable gap between urban and rural areas in terms of accessibility and speed. Connectivity is generally better in Urban centers like Praia (the Capital) and Mindelo, with high-speed broadband options available. Meanwhile, the rural areas have little access to good internet, often relying on slower mobile internet or satellite connections.
Starlink’s arrival in Cape Verde is anticipated to significantly improve the quality of internet service, particularly in underserved areas where traditional broadband services are limited or unavailable. Residents can expect faster download and upload speeds, better streaming experiences, and enhanced access to digital services.
The satellite internet constellation approval, aligns with Cape Verde’s broader strategy to leverage technology for national development. The service, known for its low latency and reliable performance, is expected to benefit sectors such as education, healthcare, and tourism, while also supporting economic growth and innovation. By embracing cutting-edge solutions like Starlink, the nation is positioning itself as a leader in digital transformation across Africa.
Notably, the introduction of Starlink in Cape Verde underscores the nation’s commitment to improving its digital infrastructure. As the service rolls out, it is expected to create new opportunities for innovation and connectivity, setting a benchmark for other nations in the region to follow.
On a broader scale, Starlink’s continuous expansion across the African continent is poised to address connectivity challenges, particularly in underserved and rural areas. The Elon Musk-owned satellite internet aims to cover more African countries, with plans to expand services as regulatory approvals are secured.
While challenges like affordability and regulatory hurdles exist, strategic scaling efforts could make Starlink a transformative force in bridging Africa’s connectivity gap.