Starlink, the satellite broadband service from SpaceX, has been granted a license by the National Telecommunications Authority (NatCA), marking a significant development in its mission to bring internet connectivity to areas of the world that are underserved.
The service is provided by SpaceX, an American aerospace company owned by billionaire Elon Musk, and it currently operates in over 54 countries. Sierra Leone recently became the fifth African country to grant Starlink a license, following Mozambique, Nigeria, Malawi, and Rwanda. As internet usage continues to soar, Starlink’s project will support the growing demand for internet connectivity and further efforts towards universal access.
Dr David Moinina Sengeh, the Chief Innovation Officer for the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), hailed the license as a “huge step forward” in achieving the goal of universal connectivity across Sierra Leone. He assured citizens that Starlink’s internet connectivity would soon be available throughout the country, boosting access and lowering the cost of usage. Dr Sengeh expressed his own satisfaction at using the service.
