NAIROBI, Kenya- Liberia is taking a major leap toward improving its digital infrastructure by partnering with Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service.
The West African nation has signed a one-year licensing agreement with the service in a bid to expand internet coverage, particularly in its underserved regions.
The provisional deal, announced Thursday, aims to push Liberia closer to universal internet access, addressing the current gap in connectivity across the country.
With internet coverage currently hovering around 60pc, the Liberian government is eager to expand that reach, and Starlink could be the key to achieving near-complete access.
According to Abdullah L. Kamara, acting chairman of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), the goal is to extend connectivity to “every village, town, and even your farm” through the satellite service.
Starlink’s network of low-Earth orbit satellites is designed to reach remote and rural areas, where traditional infrastructure often falls short.
Liberia’s ambition for greater internet access comes at a crucial time. Only 30pc of its 5.3 million people currently enjoy reliable internet services, limiting opportunities for education, commerce, and communication.
Starlink’s entry into the market could be a game-changer, especially for the country’s rural regions.
Starlink’s operation in Liberia will kick off in November under a provisional one-year license. This trial period is designed to evaluate the service’s impact and assess how well it integrates with the existing telecommunications ecosystem.
Kamara explained that the one-year agreement is a learning phase for both Starlink and Liberia.
“After the year, we’ll issue a continuing license with any necessary amendments,” he said during the signing event, which was live-streamed on the LTA’s Facebook page.
The price of the service for consumers has yet to be finalized. However, Starlink will be required to collaborate with local internet service providers (ISPs), ensuring that its integration supports the broader digital development strategy of the country.
This partnership between Liberia and Starlink follows a virtual meeting in July between Liberian President Joseph Boakai and Elon Musk.
During their conversation, the two leaders discussed how technology could drive Liberia’s development, emphasizing international collaboration.
The LTA expressed optimism about the role Starlink could play in transforming connectivity across the nation, particularly for those living in rural or hard-to-reach areas.
