Starlink Expands Its Reach in Africa with Guinea-Bissau’s Green Light
In a significant development for telecommunications in Guinea-Bissau, the National Regulatory Authority for Information and Communication Technologies (ARN-TIC) has granted official approval for Starlink, the innovative satellite internet service developed by Elon Musk. This decision is likely to transform connectivity in the region, offering new possibilities for both individuals and businesses.
The announcement came from Bamba Kote, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of ARN, during the opening ceremony of the 22nd General Assembly of the West African Telecommunications Regulators (WATRA), held in the capital city of Bissau. It’s moments like these, filled with promise, that remind us of how far technology can reach, and for many in Guinea-Bissau, this is not just a technological advance but a beacon of hope.
Starlink’s journey in Guinea-Bissau began with a provisional license granted in December 2022. Now, with full regulatory approval secured, the company is in the final stages of administrative preparations to launch large-scale operations. What does this mean for the everyday citizen? For over two-thirds of Guinea-Bissau’s population—approximately 67.5%—who have been without reliable internet access, this service could redefine daily life. Imagine students gaining access to vast online learning resources or small businesses utilizing e-commerce platforms for growth.
Historically, the internet landscape in Guinea-Bissau has been dominated by just two providers: Orange and Telecel. This duopoly has been troubling for consumers, with service quality often suffering due to a lack of competition. Recently, Telecel expanded its operations by acquiring MTN’s local business, but the burden of unstable service remains. Both companies rely on fibre connections through neighboring Senegal and Guinea-Conakry, supplemented by wireless transmissions. Yet, disruptions and interruptions are commonplace. How can a country thrive economically and socially when such fundamental needs are so often unmet?
Starlink’s Growing Footprint in Africa
Starlink isn’t just expanding in Guinea-Bissau; its presence across Africa has been surging since early 2023. Remarkably, Guinea-Bissau is the fifth country to approve Starlink within just the first few months of the year. It raises the question: is this rapid deployment indicative of a broader digital revolution across the continent?
Earlier this month, Starlink was granted a ten-year operational license in Lesotho, despite the country facing a daunting 50% tariff on exports to the United States—one of the highest rates imposed under former President Donald Trump’s now-temperatured trade policy. These hurdles highlight the resilience of interest in expanding connectivity despite geopolitical challenges.
Since launching in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, in January 2023, Starlink’s influence has stretched to at least 18 African countries. The recent approval of the service in Somalia, as well as in Niger and Liberia earlier this year, further underlines a growing trend towards enhanced connectivity for countless individuals who have long been on the wrong side of the digital divide.
One can only ponder the myriad of changes that reliable internet access can catalyze. Consider the farmer in Guinea-Bissau who can now obtain real-time weather data, or the student who, with a stable internet connection, can attend online classes offered by universities thousands of miles away. These are not just abstract concepts; they represent tangible changes to lives and communities.
As Starlink enters this new market, it carries with it the potential to do more than provide internet access. It offers a chance to bridge significant gaps in educational, economic, and social spheres who have traditionally been underserved. Can technology be a great equalizer, or will it create further divides? The answer may depend on how effectively local authorities and stakeholders embrace this change.
The anticipation surrounding Starlink’s launch is palpable, and rightly so. There’s a collective hope that this service will not only alleviate the issues currently faced by users but that it will inspire a greater investment in the digital infrastructure of Guinea-Bissau and the broader West African region. A vital question looms: how will the nation harness this newfound connectivity to foster growth and innovation?
As we wait for Starlink to fully operationalize its services, Monitors across the region will undoubtedly be keenly observing the impact of this development. The potential transformation brought on by reliable internet access might just be the spark needed to ignite a wave of progress not only within Guinea-Bissau but throughout the continent.
In a narrative of cautious optimism, the story of Starlink in Guinea-Bissau is unfolding, and one can only imagine the possibilities that lie ahead. As the saying goes, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” With this new chapter of connectivity, the dreams of many could soon become reality.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring
