Starlink Launches Satellite Internet in Chad, 24th African Market

SpaceX’s Starlink has officially launched its satellite internet service in Chad, marking a significant milestone as the 24th African market to receive the high-speed internet service. This development was announced on July 3, 2025, and signifies a bold step toward bridging Africa’s digital divide.

Chad’s entry into Starlink’s network follows closely on the heels of Lesotho, which received the service just two weeks prior. The Chadian government granted Starlink an operating license in November 2023, recognizing the technology’s potential to overcome traditional infrastructure barriers. With over 700 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa remaining unconnected, Starlink’s expansion into Chad is part of a broader mission to address this connectivity gap.

Chad, historically lagging in internet penetration, now joins other African countries benefiting from Starlink’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite service. The service promises internet speeds of up to 220 Mbps with low latency, a significant improvement for a nation where only about 15% of rural residents are connected, compared to 50% in urban areas.

Starlink’s expansion across Africa began in February 2023 with its launch in Nigeria, followed by deployments in several other countries, including Mozambique, Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, Benin, and Eswatini. The service’s affordability, with a monthly cost of about $25 and hardware costs dropping to $290 in Nigeria, has made it an attractive option for households and businesses. In Chad, while specific pricing details are yet to be fully disclosed, the model is expected to follow a similar structure, tailored to local economic conditions.

The technology’s reliance on over 7,000 LEO satellites sets Starlink apart from traditional satellite internet providers, which typically offer speeds of 100-150 Mbps. This superior performance has earned Starlink praise as a lifeline for rural communities lacking 5G, cable, or fibre-optic alternatives. For Chad, where extending fibre infrastructure costs at least $30,000 per mile, Starlink’s satellite solution offers a cost-effective alternative, bypassing the economic challenges of rural connectivity.

Stakeholders are already eyeing the potential for data centres in remote African locations, powered by Starlink’s reliable internet. This could position Chad as a hub for innovation, with applications in healthcare, education, and employment. High-speed internet access has been shown to increase employment likelihood by nearly 14%.

Despite the promise, challenges remain. The hefty initial hardware cost and ongoing subscription fees may pose affordability issues for many Chadians, whose per capita income is among the lowest globally. Additionally, the service’s success will depend on widespread adoption and the government’s ability to support regulatory frameworks that ensure equitable access.

As Starlink continues its rollout, Chad’s launch serves as a beacon of hope. With the continent’s digital landscape poised for transformation, the question remains: Can this technology unlock the full potential of Africa’s 1.3 billion residents?