Starlink Launches in Nigeria

Elon Musk, the CEO of Twitter and Tesla launches Starlink in Nigeria. Starlink is a division of Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) a privately-funded rocket manufacturer and transport services company also founded by Elon Musk. 

What is Starlink 

Starlink is an internet service provider that utilises Low Earth Orbit satellites to provide high-speed internet coverage. Instead of cable technologies like fibre optics to deliver internet data, it utilises a system made up of a constellation of thousands of satellites. Starlink orbits the earth at a closer range than regular TV satellites, enabling increased internet speed and decreased latency. A Starlink service allows streaming up to 5HD movies or shows simultaneously.

Starlink in other Countries 

Starlink has launched in other countries like the United States, Europe, Australia, and 44 more countries. The reception in these countries has mostly been positive. It has been described as “a bold engineering advancement” or a “game changer”. An Australian user gave a review of Starlink, saying it was the best and only option to use in his remote location. However, some users are experiencing difficulties in its operation. In order to work effectively, the dish is required to be in an unobstructed line of sight with the satellite. Trees, poles or buildings blocking this connection interrupt its signals. People are left with either cutting down a couple of trees to guarantee uninterrupted services or placing the dish on impractical surfaces like their car.

Another concern among its users has been the hike in the monthly subscription since 2021. A Starlink user complained about the hike from $99 to $110 in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

Regardless of this, users in locations without alternative internet providers are happy with its services.

What it means for Nigeria

Nigeria becomes the first African country and the 47th country to launch Starlink. Although Starlink aims to be accessible in rural and geographical, how does that translate in the current economic climate in Nigeria?

On the website, the service provider is available for Pre-order at NGN268,584 for hardware and N19,260/mo for the service. However, a Naira card does not work on the website. Payment has to be carried out in dollars and unfortunately, Nigerian banks have suspended international transactions on Naira cards (which was previously at a limit of $20 a month). Starlink can only be purchased through a dollar card or cross-border payment apps like Chipper or Payday. The total dollar price to purchase Starlink comes up $600. Converted to naira, it is NGN452,400 with today’s exchange rate.

With these many economic barriers, Starlink does not translate to being as accessible as it aims to be.