Starlink Granted Ten-Year Operating Permission in Lesotho
Starlink's African Expansion Faces Mixed Results, with Lesotho Approval a Significant Milestone
Elon Musk's satellite internet venture, Starlink, has been granted a 10-year license to operate in Lesotho. This approval, announced by the Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) on April 14, 2025, marks a significant step in Lesotho's digital infrastructure development and contributes to Starlink's growing presence in Africa.
While Lesotho has successfully navigated local ownership concerns via a local reseller partnership with T-Connect, other African nations face different challenges. South Africa, for instance, has yet to approve Starlink’s operation primarily due to stringent local ownership requirements for telecommunications licenses. These regulations have caused delays for Starlink despite the high demand for satellite broadband.
In contrast, countries like Somalia, Niger, and Liberia have granted Starlink licenses without major local ownership hurdles. South Africa remains a notable exception in the region, holding back Starlink’s rollout due to regulatory concerns.
The approval of Starlink's license in Lesotho is expected to improve connectivity, especially in rural areas of the country. Starlink Lesotho, entirely foreign-owned according to some criticism, is expected to contribute to the country's digital transformation and communications sector.
However, the decision has faced criticism from local civil society groups like Section Two. Concerns over the lack of local ownership in Starlink Lesotho have been raised, with arguments suggesting that such arrangements may sideline national interests and limit inclusive economic participation.
Despite these challenges, the LCA aims to foster a competitive and innovative communications sector with this decision. The approval is seen as a milestone in Lesotho's digital transformation and is expected to stimulate innovation in the country's communications sector.
Starlink already has operations established in countries like Nigeria and Zimbabwe. As it continues to expand across the continent, navigating local ownership regulations will be crucial for its success in various African markets.
- Starlink granted license to operate in Lesotho
- Starlink's African expansion faces mixed results
- South Africa's Starlink delay due to local ownership rules
- China Satellite Network Company eyes South African market
- Starlink's Lesotho operation faces local ownership criticism
- The Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) has granted Elon Musk's venture, Starlink, a 10-year license to operate, marking a significant step in Lesotho's digital infrastructure development and Starlink's growing presence in Africa.
- While Lesotho has approved Starlink's operation, other African countries like South Africa face challenges due to stringent local ownership requirements for telecommunications licenses, causing delays for Starlink despite high demand for satellite broadband.
