Starlink Begins Operations in Botswana, Shortly Following Licensing Acquisition
Starlink, the satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk, has entered the internet service provider market in Botswana. This marks the sixth country in southern Africa to welcome Starlink, following Zambia, eSwatini, Malawi, Mozambique, and Madagascar.
The approval of Starlink's license in Botswana was given in May 2024, three months ago. The discussions between Starlink and the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) about Starlink's operation in Botswana had lasted for a year prior.
The approval process was initiated when a meeting took place in Dallas, Texas, between President Masisi and a group of Starlink executives in May 2024. During this meeting, President Masisi stated that he had advised BOCRA to approve the service. However, in February 2024, Starlink's application faced rejection due to alleged missing information, according to sources familiar with the situation. The Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority later denied these claims and issued a ban on the use, sale, and importation of Starlink kits within the country.
The cost of Starlink's hardware in Botswana is P4,820 ($363), with a shipping cost of P314 ($24) and a monthly subscription fee of P688 ($52). This new service is expected to bring competition to the market, which is primarily dominated by mobile network operators BTC, Mascom, and Orange, as well as broadband internet providers Nashua and OPQ.
Despite the initial setbacks, Starlink has now successfully launched its service in Botswana. The company aims to provide fast, reliable internet to areas that may not have had access to such services before. This development is a significant step forward in the digitalisation of Botswana and the expansion of Starlink's global reach.
As of now, there is no available information regarding which government officials in Botswana participated in the discussions leading to the approval of Starlink by the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority. This information remains to be disclosed.
Starlink's arrival in Botswana is a testament to the country's commitment to improving its digital infrastructure and providing its citizens with access to the latest technology. With Starlink now live in Botswana, residents can look forward to faster internet speeds and improved connectivity.
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