Starlink, the Elon Musk-owned internet service provider, has received a license from the Nigerian government to launch and commence operations of its broadband internet services in the country. This was disclosed by Musk on Twitter.
This approval is coming after Techawk reported that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is in talks with Starlink to launch its satellite-based broadband internet services in Nigeria.
According to media reports, Starlink received two licenses, which include the International Gateway license and Internet Service Provider (ISP) license, and will be trading as Starlink Internet Services Nigeria Ltd.
The NCC adds that the International Gateway license has a 10-year tenure while the ISP license is to last for five years. Both licenses take effect from May 2022 and may be renewed after the expiration.
Starlink which currently operates in 36 countries has over 400,000 subscribers, will be competing with indigenous service providers including MTN, Glo, 9mobile and Airtel. There is also Smile, Spectranet and Swift.
It might take time for Starlink to find its footings in Nigeria due to its subscriptions. Perhaps, the speed of its service is what will eventually attract high networth customers as well as companies.
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, providing satellite Internet access coverage to 36 countries where its use has been licensed. It aims for global coverage. The company started launching satellites in 2019. As of May 2022, it consists of over 2,400 mass-produced small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), which communicate with designated ground transceivers.
