Billionaire Elon Musk’s Starlink has received approval from Liberia Telecommunication Authority to enter the West African nation’s market that has been dominated by South Africa MTN for over two decades.
Telecommunications authorities Thursday signed the operational license for the Space-X operated broadband service. In the coming weeks the satellite internet provider is expected to launch its products, which will improve internet access across a country of 5.5 million people, according to LTA officials.
Q. Why is the LTA licensing Starlink? What’s the benefit for Liberia?
A. For the first time in Liberia’s history, Starlink will enable universal communications coverage of the entire country, for everyone, anywhere in Liberia to be able to access the Internet. Universal coverage is a key objective of the National ICT Policy which will be achieved thru Starlink under the Boikai Administration.
Starlink will also provide redundant internet access for the country in case the ACE fiber optic cable goes down as happened 3 times in the last 12 months.
Q. When will Starlink begin offering services?
A. The LTA expects Starlink to launch its services in Liberia within the next few weeks.
Q. How will Starlink provide services?
A. Starlink has over 6,000 satellites flying low above the earth’s surface. These satellites will connect directly with Starlink user kits on the ground in Liberia to provide Internet access to end users.
Customers will be able to buy Starlink kits directly through the Starlink website, or through LTA licensed Internet Service Providers permitted to resell Starlink products.
Starlink is to have high speed packages for both residential and business customers. Starlink is also authorized by the LTA to have its user kits installed on moving vehicles such as ships, planes, and cars.
Q. How much will Starlink cost?
A. The LTA is continuing discussion with Starlink on their commercial prices to ensure affordability. These commercial prices will be confirmed before Starlink’s formal launch in a few weeks. There will be a one-time price for the Starlink kit and monthly flat rate prices for data.
Q. How will Starlink in Liberia impact the ISPs and other service providers?
A. The LTA has granted Starlink a one-year provisional license to allow the LTA to more closely study the impact of Starlink’s service on incumbent licensees in Liberia. This one-year period will also give the LTA to establish quality of service and other customer protection requirements for satellite-based telecommunications services.
Q. Will Starlink have an office in Liberia? If not, how will customers get support in Liberia?
A. Starlink has a registered office in Liberia for administrative purposes. Technical support for customers can be provided through Starlink authorized resellers in Liberia, or directly from Starlink thru its online customer support website.
In today’s digital world, many services are now provided online.
Q. Will Starlink have unlimited data packages?
A. Starlink has committed to providing various unlimited data packages under Starlink’s fair usage policy.
