Starlink, the satellite internet service developed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has officially launched in Cape Verde, marking a significant milestone in its African expansion strategy. This initiative aims to enhance internet connectivity across the continent, particularly in underserved regions.
In October 2024, Cape Verde’s regulatory authority, Agência Reguladora Multissectorial da Economia (ARME), granted Starlink authorization to provide electronic communications services nationwide. This decision underscores the importance of fostering competition and ensuring high-quality communications services within the country.
With this development, Cape Verde becomes the 117th country globally and the 16th in Africa to adopt Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellite-based connectivity solution. This move is expected to boost digital inclusion and stimulate economic growth in the region.
The introduction of Starlink’s satellite internet service represents a pivotal moment in Cape Verde’s technological advancement. Historically, the archipelago has faced significant challenges in establishing robust internet connectivity due to its dispersed geography and limited infrastructure. Traditional cable-based systems have often struggled to provide comprehensive coverage, leaving many remote areas without reliable internet access. Starlink’s satellite technology overcomes these barriers by delivering high-speed internet directly from space, ensuring that even the most isolated communities can connect to the digital world.
Economically, the availability of reliable high-speed internet is poised to be a catalyst for growth. Local businesses can leverage improved connectivity to expand their operations, access new markets, and enhance productivity. Educational institutions and students will benefit from a wealth of online resources, facilitating better learning outcomes. In the healthcare sector, telemedicine can become a viable option, improving access to medical services for remote populations.
Starlink’s mission is to provide high-speed internet to areas lacking reliable connectivity. Its low Earth orbit satellite constellation offers faster and more reliable internet services compared to traditional satellite providers. In Africa, where internet penetration remains low—approximately 40% as of recent estimates—Starlink’s technology holds transformative potential.
The launch in Cape Verde aligns with Starlink’s broader African strategy. Earlier this year, the service became operational in countries like Nigeria, Mozambique, and Zambia. In August 2024, Starlink secured licensing to operate in Chad, aiming to enhance internet access across the central African nation. However, the expansion has not been without challenges. In November 2024, Namibia ordered Starlink to cease operations, citing the lack of necessary telecommunications licenses.
The entry of Starlink into new markets has significant implications for local internet service providers (ISPs). Its competitive pricing and superior service quality have prompted discussions among stakeholders. For instance, Kenya’s major telecom company, Safaricom, has urged regulators to mandate partnerships between satellite internet providers like Starlink and local mobile network operators to ensure fair competition.
Starlink’s pricing structure, while not explicitly detailed for Cape Verde, follows a general model observed in other regions. In the U.S., for instance, the hardware is priced at approximately $599, with a monthly subscription fee around $110. In African countries like Nigeria and Kenya, Starlink has adjusted its pricing to better align with local markets, offering hardware at about $250–$400 and monthly subscriptions between $40–$70. However, even with such adjustments, Starlink’s costs remain higher than those of local providers in Cape Verde.
The higher upfront cost of Starlink’s hardware could be a significant consideration for consumers, despite its competitive monthly rates. However, for residents in remote or underserved areas where traditional internet infrastructure is lacking, Starlink’s satellite technology offers a viable solution to access high-speed internet.
