Three months after imposing restrictions on the local use of Elon Musk’s satellite internet platform Starlink, Ghana is now poised to relax these limitations to provide its citizens with alternative internet connectivity options.
In December 2023, the National Communications Authority (NCA) of Ghana issued a public warning against the utilization of Starlink kits, stating that they had not received the necessary type of approval and licensing for operation within the country. The NCA’s concern was primarily triggered by the resale of these kits by unauthorized intermediaries, highlighting a breach of the Electronic Communications Act.
However, a shift in stance appears imminent. During a parliamentary briefing this week, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Ghana’s Minister for Communications and Digitization, disclosed that the satellite internet service is on the brink of obtaining official authorization to operate in Ghana.
“We have already issued licenses for satellite gateway air stations, landing rights, and satellite air station networks. OneWeb has received its license, and Starlink is currently in the process of being licensed. We are also inviting other operators to establish their presence in Ghana,” Owusu-Ekuful stated.
The Minister further elaborated on the ongoing discussions aimed at exploring cost-effective satellite backhaul solutions with various service providers, under the guidance of the International Telecom Union (ITU). These discussions have been in progress for some time, but recent events are expected to inject new vigor into finding timely resolutions.
This development comes at a critical time when Africa’s broadband infrastructure is experiencing significant disruptions. The recent damage to four key undersea internet cables, which provide service to regions across West, Central, and Southern Africa, has resulted in widespread internet outages. Repairing the damage to these submarine cable systems could take weeks, leaving millions of users in search of more dependable alternatives. Starlink, with its low earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology, presents a promising solution.
In a separate incident during his African Tour, American Twitch streamer Kai Cenat visited Ghana for what was intended to be a four-day visit, following his departure from Nigeria.
However, his plans were abruptly disrupted when Ghana experienced a widespread internet outage.
Expressing his frustration over the digital blackout, he vented on social media, stating, “There is no WIFI in the whole of Ghana.”
Just 24 hours after arriving, the lack of internet connectivity prompted him to return to the US.
To date, only a few African nations, including Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi, and Rwanda, have approved the use of Starlink. Ghana’s potential inclusion could signal a broader regulatory reassessment across the continent, especially in light of the ongoing internet connectivity challenges. The future will reveal how this decision impacts the regulatory landscape and internet accessibility in Africa.
