The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) has entered into a one-year licensing agreement with Starlink, aiming to enhance high-speed Internet connectivity across Liberia, with a focus on reaching remote and underserved communities. This provisional license will enable the LTA to evaluate Starlink’s performance over the coming year, establishing quality benchmarks and safeguarding consumer interests as the service is introduced.
Abdullah Kamara, the Acting Chairperson of the LTA, announced that Starlink’s services are slated to commence in the first week of November. He also highlighted that despite some unauthorized individuals currently offering Starlink services in the country, he encourages citizens to consult their Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to confirm they are dealing with authorized resellers.
The agreement follows a virtual discussion that took place nearly three months prior between Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., and Elon Musk, CEO of Starlink. During this meeting, President Boakai extended an invitation to Musk and his team to visit Liberia, expressing his government’s eagerness for continued dialogue and cooperation.
Kamara expressed optimism about the agreement, stating it marks a significant step towards achieving universal Internet access in Liberia for the first time. He emphasized that Starlink’s technology would enable the provision of high-speed Internet to every corner of the country, regardless of how isolated the area might be.
Currently, Internet coverage in Liberia is estimated at 60%, with the government aiming to increase this figure to as close to 100% as possible through the deployment of Starlink’s services. At the beginning of 2024, internet penetration in the country was recorded at 30.1%, with 1.65 million users.
The partnership also addresses concerns regarding the reliability of Liberia’s existing Internet infrastructure, particularly the Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) fiber optic cable, which serves as the backbone of the nation’s Internet connectivity. Kamara noted that with Starlink serving as an alternative, Liberia would be better equipped to avoid significant disruptions in the event of an ACE cable failure.
The LTA is encouraging Starlink to collaborate with local ISPs to ensure that the economic advantages of this initiative are distributed among Liberians. The introduction of Starlink’s services is expected to benefit key institutions throughout the country, including hospitals, schools, government buildings, town halls, and clinics, significantly improving access to information and communication technologies across Liberia.
