Satellite internet service company, Starlink has officially launched its service in the Republic of Niger. The West African country has now joined 17 other African nations like Nigeria and Kenya in embracing the services of the satellite internet service provider.
According to a March 13 tweet on X by the founder, Elon Musk, he tagged a Starlink geographical availability post saying “Starlink now available in Niger.”
For Niger, the SpaceX launch comes as a big catch. The country has one of the lowest internet penetration rates in Africa, with only 32 per cent of its population online where existing infrastructure covers just 30 per cent of the country, leaving vast rural areas disconnected, according to the Electronic Communications Regulation and Mail Authority (ARCEP).
Its official launch in Niger follows a November 2024 meeting between the ruling military junta and Musk. Then, both parties struck a deal to expand Starlink’s coverage in the poorly connected country.
Recall that Starlink launched its services in Cape Verde, Chad, Botswana, Liberia, and Zimbabwe late last year. Mali’s junta also lifted a ban on the import and sale of Starlink satellite internet kits for a period of six months, after prohibiting them over fears they could be used by armed groups.
Though the pricing details were not revealed, analysts expect a range similar to other African countries. Following its most recent launch, the internet company revealed that the hardware will cost $363, shipping will cost $24, and a monthly subscription of $52.