Starlink making strides in transforming broadband access
South African-born Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service from SpaceX is making significant strides in transforming broadband access across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
A new report from Ookla, 'Connecting Africa: The Performance and Impact of Starlink's Satellite Internet,' highlights Starlink's performance in the first quarter of 2025.
With its wide coverage and increasing affordability, Starlink presents a chance to close the connectivity gap in rural areas while also appealing to urban users.
Starlink performance
The Ookla report examined the performance of Starlink services in SSA and compared them to terrestrial services, and assessed their impact on the broadband market.
While speed varied across the continent, Starlink delivered a median download speed exceeding 40 Mbps in Q1 2025 in most countries where it's available, significantly outpacing terrestrial ISPs.
In countries like Botswana, Eswatini, Rwanda, Burundi, Sierra Leone, Mozambique, and Ghana, Starlink users enjoyed median download speeds of around 75 Mbps or higher.
In contrast, speeds in Nigeria, Zimbabwe, South Sudan, Kenya, and Madagascar — arguably some of Starlink's biggest markets — were below 50 Mbps, most likely because the provider faces capacity issues and halts new sign-ups.
ALSO READ: Musk remark on not bringing Starlink to SA because he's not 'black' dismissed [VIDEO]
African market
Nevertheless, in Q1 2025, these speeds were still much more than double those of terrestrial networks in most countries.
Starlink's entry into the African market has significantly increased access to fixed broadband, particularly in Nigeria and Kenya, where it has become competitive.
South Africa
However, the satellite internet service continues to elude South Africa.
Speculation had been rife that Starlink was not yet available in South Africa due to the country's BEE regulations. However, Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) chairperson Mothibi Ramusi said that Icasa has not received a formal application from Starlink to operate in the country.
'[We] indicated previously that Starlink does not hold any licence issued by the authority to provide electronic communications, electronic communications network or broadcasting services in South Africa.'
Hope
Last year, while Communications Minister Solly Malatsi did not elaborate on Musk's Starlink satellite service, he told The Citizen at the Africa Tech Festival in Cape Town that getting South Africa connected requires a 'mixed tech' approach.
'Whether it be fibre, through broadband connectivity, or the current debate that is everywhere else in the world about how low-orbit satellites can play a role in this space that we are in.'
With President Cyril Ramaphosa jetting off for a working visit to the United States from Monday, 19 May to meet US President Donald Trump and possibly Musk, it is likely that there will be discussions about bringing Starlink to South Africa.
Starlink internet service is said to be a true paradigm shift in the world of connectivity.
What is Starlink?
Starlink operates thousands of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide high-speed internet globally. With 4.6 million customers globally, the service targets expansion in underserved markets, such as Africa, to drive its growth.
Since its launch in 2019, the network has expanded to more than 7,000 satellites, covering most of the globe.
Starlink's rapid expansion across Africa began with Nigeria in February 2023 and Rwanda in March 2023. The service now reaches 18 countries, with plans to add at least 10 more by the end of the year.
Speed
It offers a speed advantage over fixed alternatives in many African countries, potentially offering great experiences in downloading files and livestreaming.
However, its performance varies significantly. Using Speedtest Intelligence data, Ookla identified three countries' tiers based on median download speeds.
However, 'this analysis does not include Benin, Cape Verde, and Liberia', Ookla said. 'We will revisit these markets as Starlink's service expands and more data becomes available'.
ALSO READ: Malatsi takes action to lower smart devices and phone costs in SA
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