Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet company, has launched its services in Chad, marking a major step toward improving internet access in the West African nation.
This launch, announced by Musk on X, follows years of discussions between Chad’s government and Starlink, which have culminated in regulatory approval.
The move comes at a time when only a small portion of Chad’s population—just 12% in 2022, according to the World Bank—has reliable internet access.
This lack of connectivity has hindered the country’s ability to digitalize essential public services and limited economic opportunities, particularly in remote areas without fiber-optic infrastructure. The arrival of Starlink’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet service is expected to help bridge these connectivity gaps by providing a faster, more reliable internet alternative.
Chad’s Minister of Communications, Boukar Michel, expressed optimism that Starlink could help address the challenges of internet reliability and cost that have plagued the country since early 2024. He highlighted that expanded connectivity would not only support government services but also foster the growth of tech start-ups and digital businesses.
In January 2023, Elon Musk’s Starlink made its African debut, launching first in Nigeria with the goal of revolutionizing high-speed internet access.
Starlink’s launch in Chad is part of a broader African expansion, with the service now available in 18 countries across the continent, including Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Sudan.
This expansion is not without challenges; regulatory and economic hurdles have impacted Starlink’s progress in various countries, such as South Africa, where ownership requirements and licensing delays have stalled its entry.
The journey toward Starlink’s launch in Chad has also not been without obstacles. In September, the Chadian Electronic Communications and Posts Regulatory Authority (ARCEP) issued a warning to individuals operating Starlink terminals illegally, cautioning that violators could face fines and imprisonment.
This regulation emphasized the necessity for Starlink to operate within legal frameworks to maintain its services in the country.
