What is Elon Musk’s Starlink internet? And is it in Ghana?

Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Ghana’s Minister for Communication and Digitalisation, addressed Parliament on the recent internet outages, which began on March 14th, 2024, and included starlink internet.

To address these issues, she announced the government’s intention to license Starlink, a satellite internet network, to operate in Ghana. This move aims to improve internet connectivity and mitigate future disruptions.

What is Starlink and where in Africa are they? 

Starlink isn’t new to Africa.  Having secured licenses in Nigeria and Mozambique last year (2023), Starlink is already establishing a presence on the continent.

Prior to this announcement, Ghana’s National Communications Authority (NCA) cautioned the public in 2023 and early 2024 against using Starlink equipment. This warning came because Starlink wasn’t officially licensed to operate in Ghana at that time.

Is Starlink available in Ghana?

Starlink isn’t currently licensed for use in Ghana. However,  the satellite service is available for use in Ghana as some users have illegally acquired the Starlink equipment and are using it to access the internet in Ghana.

While Starlink’s current focus is on reaching underserved areas in the Northern US, its presence in Africa is expanding.  Ghana’s recent move to license Starlink suggests the potential for this technology to contribute to improved internet connectivity within the country.

Who is the owner of Starlink? Is it Elon Musk?

Starlink is owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is a satellite internet network offering high-speed broadband services across over 70 countries. Elon Musk is also linked to other tech and digital products including Twitter, now called X; Tesla, Hyperloop amongst others.

How does Starlink work?

Starlink technology utilizes a constellation of low-Earth-orbiting satellites that communicate with each other and ground stations to deliver internet access.

Internet Service Provider: Starlink Satellites 

Starlink holds the title of the world’s largest and first low-Earth orbit constellation providing broadband internet. The satellites are said to be incredibly fast! They complete a full orbit around the Earth in just 90 minutes.

This rapid speed means they return to a position roughly overhead every two hours which translates to high-speed internet access (25-220Mbps) suitable for activities like streaming, online gaming, and more.  

While Starlink offers roaming options, Ghana’s focus will likely be on its home internet services to improve overall connectivity.  It’s important to note that Starlink isn’t the cheapest option, so affordability will be a factor to consider.

How much does Starlink internet cost in Ghana?

Starlink offers a base rate of $120 per month for residential service, which includes unlimited data.  If you need faster speeds during peak times, you can upgrade to a priority data package ranging from $140 to $500 per month for fixed locations.

Mobile plans typically cost even more.  On top of the monthly fees, there’s also a one-time equipment cost. This can vary between $599 and $2,500 depending on the plan you choose.

However, because the current Starlink equipment in Ghana are not officially licensed, their cost can fluctuate between GHS 8000 to GHS 15000 based on the vendor you are buying the device from.

How does Starlink’s satellite internet work?

While cable and fiber optic internet rely on underground cables, satellite internet uses a different approach. It beams internet signals directly from space! This makes it perfect for rural and remote locations where traditional options aren’t available.

To use satellite internet, you’ll need some special equipment. Outside, you’ll have a satellite dish that captures the signal. This signal is then sent to a modem inside your house, which works just like the modem you might have for cable or DSL internet.

 

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