Starlink Gets Green Light to Launch Services in Chad
Starlink, Elon Musk-owned satellite internet service, just keeps rolling out across Africa—and now, it’s landed in Chad.
Hot off recent launches in Zimbabwe and Burundi, Starlink has secured approval to operate in Chad, marking a promising advance in internet access for the region.
Chad’s government confirmed on Tuesday that it has officially approved Elon Musk’s satellite internet provider to help improve digital access. A move that comes after discussions began in 2021.
For Chad, where internet access is still largely limited, Starlink’s entry represents a huge leap forward. Data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) indicates that fixed-line internet penetration in Chad is at just 12.2%, while mobile access fares only slightly better at just under 39%. Internet speed is also modest, with Cloudflare reporting that Chad’s median mobile download speed over the past year has been around 4 Mbps.
The arrival of Starlink which operates a network of low-Earth orbit satellites holds promises to fill in gaps left by patchy fibre networks by bringing high-speed internet coverage to underserved areas. Its high-speed internet coverage is poised to improve access to education, support healthcare initiatives, and provide opportunities for tech-driven businesses.
Chad’s Communications Minister, Boukar Michel, emphasized the significance of this partnership, noting that “a large part of our territory is not covered by fibre optics, and I believe that Starlink will help us bridge this gap.”
Billionaire Musk also announced the news with enthusiasm, posting “Starlink now available in Chad!” on X (formerly Twitter).
So far, the satellite internet has now established itself in 16 African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Malawi. Despite its momentum, the company’s expansion has not been without obstacles; it has faced regulatory pushback in some areas and even opposition from entrenched telecom monopolies.
Still, Starlink’s continued growth across the continent offers promising connectivity solutions for countries with limited infrastructure. For Chad, this partnership could be transformative, providing critical connectivity that supports economic growth and closes the digital divide in underserved areas.