Starlink Expands Internet Service to Guinea-Bissau, Connecting 23 African Countries

SpaceX’s Starlink has made a significant stride in bridging Africa’s digital divide with the launch of its high-speed, low-latency internet service in Guinea-Bissau. This expansion, announced via an X post by @Starlink, marks the 23rd African country to receive Starlink’s service, following recent launches in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, and Lesotho.

The rollout in Guinea-Bissau, where 67.5% of the population previously lacked internet access, is a result of a provisional license granted in December 2024. The service is now available in 23 African countries, including major economies like Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Rwanda, as well as Guinea-Bissau.

Starlink’s entry into Guinea-Bissau is part of its aggressive global expansion, which now includes over 6 million subscribers worldwide. The company recently enhanced its network with the launch of 28 new satellites from Florida. The availability map for Guinea-Bissau indicates full coverage, with regions like Bissau, Buba, and Gabú marked as “Available,” while some areas remain on a “Waitlist” or “Coming Soon,” signaling phased deployment.

In Guinea-Bissau, where connectivity has been hampered by poor terrestrial infrastructure, Starlink’s satellite-based solution offers speeds up to 150 Mbps. This is a game-changer for a nation with a GDP of just $1.6 billion. As Starlink’s satellite network expands into the country, it could revolutionize education, commerce, and healthcare in underserved regions. However, challenges such as regulatory hurdles and infrastructure costs remain critical barriers.

Beyond the 23 operational countries, Starlink is in active negotiations with regulators in at least 10 African nations. These discussions involve securing licenses and addressing local content requirements, a process that has delayed deployment in some cases. For instance, Senegal’s talks have progressed following a 2024 memorandum of understanding, while Ethiopia’s negotiations hinge on state-owned Ethio Telecom’s willingness to partner, given its monopoly status.

The potential addition of these 10 countries could push Starlink’s African presence to over 30 nations, covering over 60% of the continent’s 54 countries. This expansion could connect an additional 300 million people, leveraging Starlink’s low-earth-orbit (LEO) constellation, which now exceeds 6,000 satellites. However, the pace of rollout depends on regulatory approvals and infrastructure investments, with some analysts estimating a two-year timeline for full integration.

Despite its progress, Starlink faces resistance in markets like South Africa and a dozen others. These nations have either rejected their overtures or shown no interest, often due to concerns over data sovereignty, national security, or competition with state-owned telecoms. South Africa, in particular, has resisted due to Black Economic Empowerment rules requiring 30% local ownership, a hurdle Starlink has yet to navigate.

For other countries, the resistance is compounded by economic challenges. In Eritrea and Somalia, where internet penetration is below 10%, the $599 hardware cost and $50 monthly subscription may deter adoption. Some critics have argued that Starlink’s pricing model excludes the poorest communities, a sentiment echoed by local ISPs lobbying against its entry to protect market share.

Starlink’s expansion holds transformative potential. In Guinea-Bissau, where only 5% of rural areas had internet access pre-Starlink, the service could boost e-learning and telemedicine. Across Africa, with 600 million people offline, Starlink’s 23-country footprint could narrow the digital divide, supporting remote work and e-commerce. The World Bank estimates that a 10% increase in internet access could lift GDP growth by 1.4% annually, a prospect Starlink’s rollout could accelerate.

However, challenges persist. Regulatory delays, as seen in Cameroon’s stalled talks, and infrastructure costs, estimated at $1 billion annually for African expansion by SpaceX, pose risks. Competition from local providers like MTN and Safaricom, which offer cheaper 4G alternatives, could limit Starlink’s market penetration. Moreover, data from the African Union suggests that only 20% of African governments have clear satellite internet policies, complicating Starlink’s scalability.

Starlink’s African journey is at a critical juncture. The connectivity space on the continent is diversifying, with 23 countries already connected, and a handful at various stages of negotiations. Yet, the success of this expansion hinges on addressing affordability, regulation, and local partnerships.