Breaking News: Starlink To Begin Operations In Ghana At The End Of August

Starlink To Begin Operations In Ghana At The End Of August 2024. This New Update Was Shared By The National Communications Authority (NCA) In An Official Statement.

According to the National Communications Authority (NCA), Ghana, Starlink will officially begin its operations in Ghana at the end of August 2024. Starlink, which is a company associated to Elon Musk, is set to fully begin its operations in the West African country.

The statement was released by the National Communications Authority (NCA) on Thursday, 22nd August 2024. The decision came after the completion of the necessary procedures as stated in the statement released. “This follows the completion of all administrative and licensing procedures with the National Communications Authority (NCA).”, part of the statement said.

Additionally, the internet service provider will be managed by SpaceX Starlink GH Ltd. Before the release of this statement, the NCA had disclosed to the public about Starlink not possessing a licence to operate in Ghana. The authority further went on to tag all online sales of the device illegal and a major violation of the Electronic Communications Act.

After the internet outages happened across Ghana and some parts of Africa, the NCA was pressured by Ghanaian netizens to look for alternatives and not solely rely on MTN, Telecel, and Airteltigo. The alternative that was brought up was Starlink, which was illegal by then to use due to the lack of a licence to operate in Ghana.

Finally, the National Communications Authority (NCA) have provided them with the licence to operate in Ghana. Their operation in Ghana will begin at the end of August 2024.

Read The Full Statement Below;

Elon Musk’s Starlink uses a network of Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites in order to deliver high-speed and uninterrupted internet. Starlink is faster compared to all the telcos in Ghana. With this, Starlink has the upper hand and provides a room for other telcos or internet service providers to compete.

As of April 2024, Starlink’s LEO satellites were around 5,800. This will help offer efficient internet and download speeds more than a 100Mbps in the country. As sweet as it might sound, it might not be accessed by every Ghanaian citizen due to its price. The price of the device and its monthly subscription may be a barrier for numerous Ghanaians.

In Nigeria, the installation kit costs around $314 (4,894.20 Ghanaian Cedi) with a monthly subscription on $27 (420.84 Ghanaian Cedi). The installation of the kit is one-time. Comparing this to the local internet service providers, it is much expensive. 

READ ALSO: Official: Elon Musk’s Starlink To Operate In Ghana