Niger has granted a license to Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet provider, to operate within the country. This marks a significant step toward expanding internet access across its vast and often underserved regions.
The agreement was signed by Niger’s Minister of Communication, Sidi Mohamed Raliou, and Ryan Goodnight, Starlink’s head of Market Access.
With only 32% internet penetration and 60.8% mobile access as of June 2024, Niger faces substantial connectivity challenges, especially in remote areas. Starlink’s network of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites aims to address these issues by providing high-speed internet to areas that are difficult to reach with conventional infrastructure.
Already present in about fifteen African countries, including Nigeria, Benin, Ghana, and Rwanda, Starlink plans to provide Niger with internet speeds of up to 200 Mbps, a significant upgrade in quality for users.
Minister Raliou highlighted that Starlink’s satellite network could facilitate access across various sectors, including education, health, and agriculture. This expansion aligns with Niger’s newly introduced decade-long digital development policy, which seeks to drive socio-economic progress through regulatory reforms and infrastructure enhancements.
Despite the promise of expanded coverage, accessibility remains a concern due to potential cost barriers. Starlink has yet to disclose its pricing structure for Niger, but neighboring Benin sees monthly charges of approximately CFA30,000 ($49) and upfront equipment fees of CFA400,000 ($650), which may be prohibitive for many users in Niger. Accessibility challenges are common across sub-Saharan Africa, where 60% of the population still does not use mobile internet despite network availability, largely due to high service costs and low digital literacy.
The partnership with Starlink also addresses security considerations, given concerns over potential misuse of satellite internet by armed groups in the region. Raliou emphasized that Starlink’s presence would enable the government to implement stronger security measures to monitor and control its use.
