The Rwanda Space Agence (RSA) has announced that Starlink has been granted a license to provide internet services and high-performance connectivity to Rwanda through its constellations of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, with its operations set to begin in the first quarter of 2023
The license is consistent with the most recent National Broadband Policy and Strategy, which emphasizes supporting companies that provide broadband services that are both affordable and of high quality.
“Starlink is planning to launch its services in Rwanda in the first quarter of this year, which would make it the second country in Africa to have its services officially operational,”
Francis Ngabo, the CEO of RSA
According to Francis Ngabo, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of RSA, Starlink’s internet operations align with the country’s goal to have a universal broadband network coverage that extends to remote areas.
“This aligns with our mission to leverage space capabilities for national development by contributing to the overall target of establishing international connectivity redundancy and near-universal broadband coverage”, he added.
The CEO said Starlink is not intended to replace the nation’s current internet service providers but rather to improve and enhance their operations and act as a viable competition to their infrastructure.
“We are confident that the high speed and reliability of the service will benefit both citizens and businesses. We look forward to the positive impact it will have on the country’s competitiveness in the global digital economy,”
Paula Inagbire, Minister of information and Communications Technology and Innovation
In addition, Francis Ngabo reiterated that the space agency would continuously collaborate with satellite broadband internet providers to encourage affordable services for the people. However, he noted services would increase broadband competitiveness as end-user services will cost around USD 44 (RWF 48,000) for a bandwidth of 150 Mbps and 350 Mbps for businesses.
Read also: SpaceX’s Starlink slashes hardware, subscription prices to N274,098, N19,260 per month
More on Starlink penetration in Africa
Starlink has been working to establish satellite operations in many African nations since last year, with Rwanda being one of them. Other nations include Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, and Nigeria, which was also the first to launch it.
As of December 2022, Starlink had over 3,500 satellites operating in LEO. Rwanda is the fourth country in Africa to issue a license to Starlink after Mozambique, Nigeria and Malawi.
Some months ago, the broadband network landed in Nigeria, with plans to begin its operations. Since then, the network has gone on to roll out the module of its operations and its prices. Currently, the network is active for persons that have opted to get it.
Also, three weeks ago, the Elon Musk-owned company announced plans to launch its satellite Internet service in Kenya, pending regulatory approval.
SpaceX stated that the service would be available in Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, and Nakuru, among other cities, from June 2023. It announced that it was available for Kenyans to pre-order the service and deposit a fully refundable deposit of Sh12,260 ($99) to reserve it if approved.
Read also: Starlink to launch in Kenya, what it means for competitors
Rwanda was also one of the select few countries given the chance to test Starlink connectivity in Africa before licensing. Starlink speed tested at several locations around the country reached up to 150 Mbps with a very low latency of 20 to 40 milliseconds (ms).
With the license, it is very much glaring that the company is on a mission to provide viable competition for the already existing network providers in the continent. With the competition comes enhanced service delivery of internet connections for all.
Elon Musk has been widely described as a disruptor in the tech space with his many innovations; the consequence of the delve of Starlink into Africa is going to bring about a significant change and enhancement of the telecommunications industry.
Read also: Elon Musk’s Starlink finally lands in Nigeria, but not for everyone.
Technext Newsletter
Get the best of Africa’s daily tech to your inbox – first thing every morning.
Join the community now!
