Starlink mulls Liberian launch
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has held a strategic meeting with Elon Musk
In a virtual meeting, Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai treated with world wealthiest man Elon Musk, about the potential launch of Starlink in Liberia. The dialogue underscores a pivotal moment for the country’s technological advancement.
Liberia's internet penetration is low. At the start of 2024, around 30% of 5.3 million people had access to the internet. The average internet speed is also below the benchmark. Median fixed connection speeds as of early 2024 stand around 7.14 MB/s, according to Ookla.
On top of that, the costs are high. Monthly fees for basic broadband cost an average of $2.63. In 2023, the lowest data price in the country was $1.67 per 1GB for 30 days, while the most expensive plan was $14.5, says Statista data. Recall that the global average is $3.12.
Liberian telecoms is dominated by operators like Lonestar Cell MTN and Orange Liberia, which have struggled to expand their services to rural areas due to infrastructural and financial constraints. Despite efforts to improve, a digital divide remains critical, hampering socio-economic development.
Elon Musk's Starlink project, a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, promises to revolutionise internet access globally, especially in underserved regions. With coverage already extending to 80 countries, it provides high-speed internet to remote and rural areas through a network of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.
During the meeting, Musk highlighted the transformative potential of Starlink for Liberia, particularly in empowering rural communities and enhancing vital sectors like education and healthcare. Reliable, high-speed connectivity could bridge the digital divide, providing unprecedented access to information and services.
The technology, using a network of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, which are much closer to the Earth's surface than traditional geostationary satellites, reduces latency and increases speeds. Currently, it offers speeds ranging from 25 MB/s to 220 MB/s, significantly higher than the average local speeds.
Satellite technology can reduce infrastructure costs by eliminating the need for extensive ground-based networks. The initial setup cost for Starlink includes a one-time hardware fee (around $599) and a monthly sub (approximately $120), it can ultimately offer better value due to its higher speeds and global availability. Local traditional ISPs have higher costs and slower speeds, making Starlink a competitive alternative.
Elon Musk has previously engaged with other African leaders to explore the possibilities of Starlink in their countries. Notably, Musk has met with Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi and Kenya’s President William Ruto. These engagements have had tangible outcomes.
This pattern indicates a promising trajectory for Liberia. The successful implementation of Starlink in Nigeria and the ongoing developments in Kenya serve as precedents that bolster the likelihood of a similar initiative in Liberia.
President Boakai hit on the significance of the engagement, viewing it as a step toward long-term, mutually beneficial outcomes. The discussion aligns with Liberia’s ARREST (Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism) Agenda, which underscores the importance of leveraging tech to enhance service delivery across key sectors.
Inviting Musk and his team to visit Liberia, President Boakai reaffirmed his government’s commitment to continuous collaboration and technological advancement. The potential launch of Starlink could catalyse broader economic and social development, particularly in enhancing educational opportunities and healthcare services through improved connectivity.
