FG Approves Elon Musk’s Starlink Licences

Elon Musk’s Starlink, a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, has been granted approval by the federal government to operate in Nigeria.

Starlink provides satellite Internet access coverage to 32 countries where its use has been licensed.

Announcing the approval, though no launch was mentioned, Tesla CEO Elon Musk tweeted on Friday evening that “Starlink approved by Nigeria & Mozambique.”

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This announcement comes three days after Mr Musk responded to a tweet asking about the service’s launch in Africa.

“Yes, first countries in Africa to be announced coming soon,” Mr Musk tweeted. “Starlink will serve everywhere on Earth that we’re legally allowed to serve.”

Last May, Ryan Goodnight, SpaceX’s Starlink Market Access Director for Africa had a meeting with NCC’s Executive Vice-Chairman, Umar Danbatta, where they sought a licence to operate in the country.

A Nairametrics report notes a confirmation from the NCC, saying the approved licences would last for five years and will take effect from this month.

“The company received two licences, which include the International Gateway licence and Internet Service Provider (ISP) licence, and will be trading as Starlink Internet Services Nigeria Ltd.

“According to NCC, the International Gateway licence has a 10-year tenure while the ISP licence is to last for five years. Both licences take effect from May 2022 and may be renewed after the expiration,” Nairametrics said.

Starlink, a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, offers high-speed, low-latency broadband internet across the globe.