SpaceX’sStarlink satellite internet service expands to Madagascar and five othercountries,while South Africa remains without officialaccess.
Points
- StarlinklaunchesinMadagascar,markingitspresenceinthe10thAfricannation.
- SouthAfricaremainstheonlysouthernregioncountrywithoutconfirmedStarlinkaccess.
- Madagascaroffersthecontinent’smostaffordableStarlinkhardware.
Starlink’sExpansioninAfrica
SpaceX’sStarlink satellite internet service has been launched inMadagascar,making it the10thAfrican nation to benefit fromhigh-speedconnectivity.This expansion leaves South Africa as the only southern region country yet to receive official confirmation foraccess.
InMadagascar,Starlink’shardware is priced at MGA1,120,000（$247.49）,making it the most affordable on thecontinent.Shipping and handling fees are set at MGA109,000（$23.56）,with a monthly roaming subscription cost of MGA451,200（$99.73）.An early adopter promotion offers a29%discount until July13.
RegionalDevelopmentsandChallenges
The launch in Madagascar follows a timeframe announcement for service activation inLesotho.Meanwhile,SouthAfrica’sdelay in gaining Starlink access is due to regulatory issues with the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa（Icasa）.These regulatory delays have caused uncertainty about when Starlink will become available in thecountry.
SurroundingCountries’Progress
While South Africawaits,neighboring countries like Eswatini and Mozambique already enjoy Starlinkservices.Namibia is expected to receive coverage in2024,with Zimbabwe and Botswana following soonafter.
President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana recentlyfast-trackedStarlink’slicenseapplication,indicating a proactive approach compared to SouthAfrica’sregulatorydelays.
解説
- Starlink’scontinuedexpansioninAfricaunderscoresthegrowingdemandforreliableinternetconnectivityintheregion.
- RegulatorychallengesinSouthAfricahighlighttheimportanceofstreamlinedprocessestofacilitatetechnologicaladvancements.
- TheavailabilityofaffordableStarlinkhardwareinMadagascarsetsaprecedentforotherAfricannationstoenhancedigitalinfrastructure.