07 June 2023

Starlink wants to launch commercial services in Somalia and has started discussions with the National Communications Authority (NCA) with a view to obtaining the license.

“We are happy to explain how our system works, what we can bring to Somalia if we get permission from the agency, and we will also cooperate with telecommunications companies and service providers that operate in Somalia,” said a SpaceX spokesperson.

Mustafa Yasin Sheikh, managing director of NCA, welcomed Starlink’s interest in Somalia. He, however, pointed out that the company must first meet the necessary licensing requirements and go through the licensing process of the authority. The NCA will be responsible for evaluating Starlink’s offer and the service plan it wishes to implement in the country.

SpaceX aims to bring broadband everywhere on the planet, including remote and landlocked areas, which are therefore difficult to access for the terrestrial networks of mobile operators. In Africa, the company has already launched its commercial services in Nigeria and Rwanda. According to the established launch schedule, 21 more countries should receive these services this year.