Ghana Rethinks Starlink Ban, Eyes High-End Internet Access

Just three months ago, Ghana declared Starlink's operations illegal.

But now, Ghanaian officials have indicated a significant shift in their stance towards the SpaceX-owned satellite internet service.

On December 7, 2023, The National Communication Authority warned against anyone involved with the sales or services of the device, claiming that the company's lack of proper authorization could cause potential disruption it could cause to existing internet service providers. 

But, recent events on the widespread internet outages due to subsea cable damage exposed limitations in Ghana's current infrastructure prompting the government to re-evaluate the potential benefits of Starlink's low-latency, satellite-based internet.

Despite bans in other African countries such as Zimbabwe and Botswana, Starlink has already launched in several African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, and Zambia.

The long-term impact on the broader internet landscape in Ghana is yet to be determined. It remains uncertain whether Starlink services will eventually become more widely available, offering Ghanaians a wider range of internet options.