Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has licensed Starlink, a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, providing satellite internet access coverage to 32 countries.
Its launch in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, has been in the works since 2021.Checks showed that the deal was sealed at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, earlier in the year before all the paperwork was completed this month.
Operational License
Starlink was awarded two licenses, which include the international gateway license and Internet Service Provider (ISP) license, and will be trading as Starlink Internet Services Nigeria Ltd.
According to NCC, the international gateway license has 10-year tenure, while the ISP license is to last for five years. Both licenses take effect from May 2022 and may be renewed after the expiration.
Starlink Founder Elon’s Announcement
Elon Musk, the chief operator of Starlink, the satellite internet service launched by his SpaceX, has tweeted that Starlink has been approved in Nigeria and Mozambique.
“Yes, first countries in Africa to be announced coming soon,” he tweeted. “We will serve everywhere on Earth that we’re legally allowed to serve.”
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“Its launch in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, has been in the works since 2021. Last May, SpaceX sent some representatives to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the country’s telecommunications regulator, to discuss the possibility of obtaining a license to operate in Nigeria.”
Facts About Starlink
Starlink operates in more than 30 countries where it has acquired licenses to provide internet services.
SpaceX’s Starlink hardware includes a satellite dish and router, which you’ll set up at home to receive the signal from space. The newest version of the dish, seen here, is less expensive for SpaceX to produce, and further improvements to the design could be on the way in 2022.
Starlink is ideally suited for areas of the globe where connectivity has typically been a challenge,” the Starlink website reads. “Unbounded by traditional ground infrastructure, can deliver high-speed broadband internet to locations where access has been unreliable or completely unavailable.”
All you need to do to make the connection is set up a small satellite dish at your home to receive the signal and pass the bandwidth on to your router. The company offers a number of mounting options for rooftops, yards, and the exterior of your home. There’s even the app for Android and iOS that uses augmented reality to help customers pick the best location and position for their receivers.
The Price Concerns in Nigeria
Their propose price in Nigeria ranges at $110 (N60,500) for pre-order and $599 (N330,000) for a full kit, including a terminal, mounting tripod, and wifi router.
Nigerians have expressed concern about the affordability part and hopes are up that it will be priced according to our GDP.