A quarter of a year subsequent to obtaining its operational permit, Starlink, the satellite internet venture led by Elon Musk, has commenced service provision in Botswana. Prospective users in Botswana will need to invest P4,820 (equivalent to $363) for the Starlink hardware, in addition to a delivery charge of P314 ($24). A monthly service fee of P688 ($52) is also applicable.
The initiation of Starlink’s operations in Botswana is the result of twelve months of dialogue with the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA). Although Starlink’s initial licensing request was made at the start of 2023, it wasn’t until May 2024 that the license was granted. A setback occurred in February 2024 when the application was reportedly turned down due to incomplete information, according to individuals with knowledge of the situation; however, BOCRA has disputed these assertions.
In a notable development, BOCRA implemented a ban in February 2024 on the usage, sale, and importation of Starlink’s hardware in Botswana. This stance was reversed in May after President Masisi met with Starlink executives in Dallas, Texas, and purportedly recommended that BOCRA should authorize the service.
By entering the Botswanan market, Starlink is now competing in a sector predominantly occupied by mobile network operators such as BTC, Mascom, and Orange, as well as other broadband providers like Nashua and OPQ.
With its launch in Botswana, Starlink has expanded its presence in the southern African region, joining the ranks of Zambia, eSwatini, Malawi, Mozambique, and Madagascar, making Botswana the sixth nation in the region to offer Starlink’s satellite internet services.
