Starlink, the satellite Internet network operated by SpaceX, is set to bring its services to 23 African countries by the close of 2023 as part of its continent-wide expansion plan. The company, founded by billionaire Elon Musk, has already introduced its commercial services in Nigeria, Rwanda, Mozambique, Kenya, and Malawi.
This announcement comes as Starlink extends its services to Benin, making it the sixth African nation to access the offerings of the innovative space-based Internet provider. According to Starlink, subscribers in Benin can avail the service for a monthly fee of 30,000 FCFA (approximately $48.66), along with a one-time hardware charge of 400,000 FCFA (around $650), and an additional 15,000 FCFA for shipping and handling fees. Additionally, users in Benin are required to pay 3,125 FCFA monthly to the Electronic Communications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARCEP) for electromagnetic spectrum access, although Starlink is working with the regulator to potentially lower these costs in the future.
Starlink’s expansion across Africa is in line with SpaceX’s ambitious goal of providing broadband access worldwide, including to remote and landlocked regions that are challenging for traditional mobile operators to reach. The company relies on its constellation of low-orbit satellites to deliver Internet services. According to its launch schedule, Starlink aims to serve a total of 23 African countries by the end of this year.
The arrival of Starlink in Benin is expected to enhance the quality and coverage of high-speed Internet in the country, where there are currently 10.14 million mobile Internet subscribers and 24,641 fixed Internet subscribers, as per ARCEP’s latest statistics from March 2023.
