Elon Musk’s Starlink Broadband Services to Commence in Ghana

Broadband services by Space X Starlink GH LTD, a company owned by billionaire Elon Musk, are expected to be rolled out later this month following approval by the National Communication Authority (NCA) earlier this year.

In a statement on August 23, the Authority said the company will begin operations by the end of the month.

“Starlink will officially commence operations in Ghana by the end of this month (August 2024). This follows the conclusion of all administrative and licensing procedures with the National Communications Authority (NCA). Starlink will be operated by Space X Starlink GH LTD.”

Disapproval
In December 2023, the NCA flagged the operation Starlink and the sale of their equipment in Ghana in an attempt to safeguard its licensees and consumers.

This was after its attention was drawn to the violation of Section 3(1) of the Electronic Communications Act 2008, Act 775 as the company through an online platform offered on sale ethernet adapters, routers, V2 dishes, mount, cables, pole mount, wall mount, accessories, mesh and others to the Ghanaian populace without a license or approval.

Approval
Four months later, the Authority put out a different statement announcing its approval of an application by the company following the policy approval of the Satellite Licensing Framework in Ghana by the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation.

“The National Communications Authority (NCA) has approved the application of Space X Starlink GH LTD, operators of Starlink Satellite Broadband, to offer Satellite Broadband Services in Ghana,” it added as it confirmed that administrative processes towards the issuance of the licence were still ongoing at the time.