The satellite internet service “Starlink” has launched its service in Chad, West Africa. This was revealed by a tweet published yesterday by founder Elon Musk on X.
Musk responded to a tweet by company employee Alex, who claimed that the country’s Minister of Communications, Boukard Michel, announced that the launch of Starlink is imminent. “According to the minister, Starlink will solve the problems of reliability and cost of internet service that are prevalent in the country from the beginning of 2024,” he said.
Just to be clear, in September, the Chadian Agency for Electronics, Communications and Postal Regulation (ARCEP) issued a warning against those illegally selling and operating Starlink terminals in the country. In a press release published on social networks on Friday, September 22, the telecommunications regulator warned perpetrators of the penalties provided by law.
These can range from five years in prison and fines of up to XAF100 million ($162,500) or twice that amount ($200 million), depending on the severity of either punishment.
ARCEP’s release comes at a time when the Starlink network in Chad is increasingly being used without authorization. The telecommunications regulator requires a license to start operating in the country. Two days before, ARCEP held a consultation session on Starlink’s application to become a satellite Internet service provider (ISP). Pricing details have not been disclosed, but analysts expect a similar price range as in other African countries. Following its recent launch in Botswana and Zimbabwe, the internet company announced that the hardware will cost $363, plus $24 for shipping and $52 for a monthly subscription.
Starlink’s Foray into Africa
Pricing in particular has been a major point of contention for Starlink in Africa. Recall that the company increased the price of its hardware in Nigeria by 74% (from N4,400,000 to N590,000) due to “excessive inflation”. The company also announced a nearly 100% increase in monthly subscriptions.
But shortly after the announcement, Nigeria’s telecommunications regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), issued a statement indicating it would take appropriate enforcement action against internet connection providers. About a week later, the company called off its planned price increases due to lack of regulatory approval.
“Last month, we increased our monthly service prices for Starlink in Nigeria, adjusting for inflation, which enabled us to remain operational and continue to provide a reliable service. Today, we are temporarily suspending these price increases as we address regulatory challenges,” the company said in a statement.
Starlink also said the suspension of price increases is temporary and is still subject to regulatory approval. “We remain committed to providing high-speed internet in Nigeria but need regulators’ assistance to make the improvements needed for a better customer experience.”
Starlink’s launch in Chad comes two weeks after its launch in Zimbabwe, making it the fastest growing internet service as it is now available in over 122 countries worldwide and 18 in Africa.
