NCA gives Starlink greenlight for satellite internet operations

The National Communications Authority (NCA) has given Space X Starlink GH LTD, operators of Starlink Satellite Broadband, approval to offer satellite broadband services in Ghana.

The NCA stated in a statement dated April 25, 2024, that “the approval of the application follows the approval of the Ministry of Communications and Digitalization’s Ghanaian Satellite Licencing Framework.”

The statement, however, noted that “the administrative processes towards the issuance of the license are ongoing and will be completed shortly.”

Starlink’s approval comes after criticisms by industry followers and the public of the NCA following a nationwide internet disruption on Thursday, March 14, 2024.

The disruption, which affected major players including MTN Ghana and Telcel Ghana, sparked public concerns about the need to diversify the country’s internet source, which traditionally has been through undersea fibre optic cables.

However, the NCA had reacted that the delay in the approval of Starlinks operations was due to the absence of the relevant regulatory framework for the latter’s line of operations.