The National Communications Authority (NCA) yesterday announced that it has approved Elon Musk’s Starlink internet service to start operations in Ghana.
The (NCA) has completed all necessary administrative and licensing procedures, allowing Starlink to roll out its high-speed internet services across the nation by the end of August 2024.
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The statement also noted that a local branch of Musk’s SpaceX, Space X Starlink GH Limited will manage the internet service set to be provided.
Prior to the most recent approval in Ghana, consumers could get over local Starlink restrictions and sign up for its international roaming service on the black market.
Utilising a constellation of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, Starlink’s technology allows for faster internet speeds than traditional satellites, making it a formidable contender in the global internet market.
With 5,800 low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites as of April 2024, the network can effectively relay signals and offer download rates up to 100 Mbps in some locations.
Even though Starlink promises fast connectivity, many Ghanaians could find the price prohibitive. For example, Starlink charges $27 per month for its subscription in Nigeria, with an upfront setup fee of $314. This is much more expensive than other local services like Airtel, which charges $0.68 for 1GB of data.
Starlink’s service may be especially helpful for remote locations with poor internet connectivity, but its expensive price may prevent Ghana’s rural populace from adopting it because they may believe it to be unaffordable.
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It is unclear how Starlink will change Ghana’s internet environment as the launch date draws near, especially in rural areas where dependable connectivity is much required.
