Mogadishu, August 5, 2025 – In what is seen as a milestone achievement, Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite-based internet service, has officially launched across Somalia, expanding connectivity to urban hubs and rural regions following regulatory approval in April.
Key Developments & Timeline
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The National Communications Authority (NCA) granted Starlink a 10-year operational license in April 2025, concluding over two years of negotiations.
- By August 2025, Starlink’s nationwide coverage map indicates availability across major cities—Mogadishu, Hargeisa—and remote areas like communities along the Shabelle River.
Bridging the Digital Divide
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Somalia faces significant connectivity gaps: mobile broadband coverage remains confined to urban areas, while many rural communities lack any service.
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Starlink's low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network bypasses local infrastructure limitations, offering download speeds between 100–200 Mbps and latency of 20–40 ms, using only a compact dish and basic power setup .
Government Remarks & Strategic Value
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NCA Director General Mustafa Yasin Sheik described Starlink's entry as a “significant milestone” in national efforts to ensure broader internet access .
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Minister of Communications Mohamed Adan Moalim emphasized that Starlink supports Somalia’s national ICT strategy (2019–2024), aiming to reach underserved communities regardless of location .
Costs & Usage Context
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Service is priced around USD 70/month, with a hardware kit costing roughly USD 390. A smaller “mini” kit is available for USD 210, though affordability remains a challenge for many Somalis due to low average income levels .
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Adoption is expected to be driven by diaspora-supported households, NGOs, educational institutions, and businesses operating in remote zones .
Broader Regional Expansion
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Somalia is now the 25th African country to offer Starlink, following recent deployments in Chad, Lesotho, Liberia, and Niger .
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The expansion comes amid growing interest across the continent. Starlink has held discussions with Uganda and recently received approval to launch services in the Democratic Republic of Congo .
Final Take
The official availability of Starlink in Somalia marks a transformative leap in digital access across one of Africa’s least connected nations. Despite cost barriers and infrastructure challenges, the service offers rural communities, NGOs, and governmental entities a powerful new internet option—potentially catalyzing developments in education, healthcare, commerce, and governance.
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