Chad has officially joined the growing list of African countries benefiting from Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, following its recent launch in the central African nation. Musk announced the expansion on X (formerly Twitter), celebrating Starlink’s continued efforts to bring high-speed internet to underserved areas around the globe. “Starlink now available in Chad!” Musk posted, signaling a new chapter in Chad’s connectivity and digital transformation journey.
Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, offers satellite-based internet designed to reach rural and remote areas often neglected by traditional broadband providers. In Chad, where internet access has been limited and often unreliable, Starlink’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology provides an affordable and accessible alternative for communities without fiber optic infrastructure.
How Starlink’s Expansion Affects Chad’s Connectivity
Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Boukar Michel confirmed that Chad and Starlink had been discussing the partnership since 2021, with the goal of improving internet coverage across the nation. “A large part of our territory is not covered by fiber optics, and I believe that Starlink will help us bridge this gap,” Minister Michel stated.
Only 12% of Chad’s population had access to the internet as of 2022, according to World Bank data. Starlink’s entry could make online services more accessible and affordable for Chad’s population, enabling better access to information, digital tools, and economic opportunities.
This new licensing agreement, signed between the government and Starlink, represents a milestone in Chad’s digital inclusion efforts. The launch will support internet access for Chad’s public services, education, healthcare, and even its budding tech industry. As Minister Michel noted, “This partnership with Starlink is not just about internet; it’s about building a stronger digital foundation for our country’s future.”
Starlink’s Growing Presence Across Africa
With Chad’s approval, Starlink now operates in 16 African nations, including Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Malawi. This recent expansion Iis in line with SpaceX’s goal to make reliable internet available worldwide, particularly in areas where conventional internet providers cannot reach.
In many African countries, connectivity challenges arise from the high costs and logistical difficulties of laying fiber optic cables over vast or rugged terrains. Starlink’s satellite internet bypasses these obstacles by delivering internet directly from low-Earth orbit satellites, making it a valuable resource for improving Africa’s connectivity.
Despite Starlink’s progress, regulatory hurdles remain in some regions. In Cameroon, authorities recently seized Starlink equipment over licensing issues, while in Kenya, local telecom giant Safaricom has raised concerns about satellite internet providers needing to partner with local mobile operators.
A Step Forward for Chad’s Digital Future
For Chad, Starlink’s satellite internet promises not only better connectivity but also a potential boost to the economy. With reliable internet, entrepreneurs in remote areas can access broader markets, students can engage in online learning, and the government can deliver more efficient digital services. The partnership could also help foster tech start-ups, with more Chadians now able to connect to the digital economy.
The Starlink expansion into Chad is a critical development for Africa’s digital landscape, as more nations work to close connectivity gaps and embrace the economic advantages of the internet. As Starlink continues to expand, millions more people across Africa may gain access to affordable, high-speed internet, contributing to greater economic and social inclusion across the continent.
