The National Communications Authority (NCA) recently declared that SpaceX’s Starlink GH LTD would start operating in Ghana. Starlink GH LTD, the company that runs Starlink Satellite Internet, was given permission by the NCA to provide satellite internet services throughout the nation.

This approval followed the Ministry of Communications and Digitalization’s endorsement of the Satellite Licensing Framework in Ghana. It was claimed that the license’s administrative processes were nearing completion.

Ghanaians, particularly those living in areas where dependable internet access has long been a struggle, felt a sense of hope restored when they learned that Starlink was set to arrive.

With Starlink’s debut into the industry, current internet service providers—who have come under fire for their expensive and erratic service—should have a much-needed substitute.

Starlink’s Service Plans and Pricing

Through a constellation of satellites in communication with ground stations, SpaceX’s Starlink network of low-Earth orbit satellites offers high-speed broadband internet. The business previously revealed its pricing and service plans, giving Ghanaians three main choices:

• Residential Plan: Intended for homes, this plan offered GHS 770 per month for unrestricted high-speed, low-latency internet access.
• Plan Roam: Tailored for campers, RVs, and nomads, this plan provides GHS 1,540 a month for unlimited cellular internet within the country.
• Boats Plan: This plan featured levels up to GHS 17,710 per month for 1TB of priority mobile data, and was intended for maritime users, emergency responders, and mobile companies.

In addition to the monthly subscription costs, customers were required to purchase the necessary hardware, priced at GH₵5,390, plus shipping costs of GH₵354.

Because of economies of scale and Ghana’s smaller market size, Starlink’s pricing may seem expensive at first, especially when compared to neighboring countries like Nigeria.

However, many Ghanaians appeared willing to pay the higher price because they needed a consistent and dependable internet connection, which has been difficult to come by with the current providers like MTN and Telecel.

Starlink’s launch is thought to provide a more dependable and effective substitute, potentially resolving these persistent problems.

Regional Challenges and Regulatory Actions

Starlink’s entry into Ghana coincided with larger initiatives to prevent unapproved access in areas where its services were not yet allowed.

According to earlier reports, SpaceX was taking action regarding unapproved Starlink access in nations like South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Sudan where the service has been used without authorization from the relevant authorities.

Users in these locations received notifications alerting them to the impending termination of their access by the end of the month.

Political parties expressed interest in Starlink’s introduction in Ghana as well. Should they win the upcoming election, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) made hints about using the new satellite internet service as part of a proposed educational strategy.

Leader of the party John Mahama announced plans to install Starlink in every school in the nation to make it easier for students to access online learning materials nationwide.

Ghanaians are eagerly awaiting Starlink’s official launch, believing that the company would live up to its promise to transform internet connectivity in the nation.