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Starlink, the satellite Internet service provider owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has been granted a one-year license to operate in Liberia, marking a significant step in expanding the country’s Internet coverage. This decision follows a virtual meeting held nearly three months ago between Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., and Elon Musk, during which they discussed the potential launch of Starlink in the nation.
President Boakai extended an invitation to Musk and his team to visit Liberia, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to fostering continuous collaboration with the satellite provider. This partnership aligns with the government’s broader efforts to enhance digital connectivity nationwide.
According to Sam Kamara, a government spokesperson, the deal will help make universal Internet access a reality for the first time in Liberia. Starlink’s high-speed Internet service will reach even the most remote villages, towns, and communities across the country. Currently, Internet coverage in Liberia is around 60%, with the government aiming to raise that figure to nearly 100% through Starlink’s capabilities. As of early 2024, the country’s Internet penetration was at 30.1%, with 1.65 million active users.
In addition to expanding coverage, the agreement also addresses concerns about the reliability of Liberia’s current Internet infrastructure. The Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) fibre optic cable, the backbone of Liberia’s Internet services, has experienced outages in the past, causing significant disruptions. With Starlink serving as a backup, the country is better positioned to maintain connectivity even if the ACE cable encounters issues.
The Liberian government has encouraged Starlink to collaborate with local Internet service providers to ensure that the economic benefits of this initiative are shared across the country. Major institutions such as hospitals, schools, government offices, town halls, and clinics are expected to benefit from the improved Internet services, helping to bridge the digital divide and support critical sectors in Liberia’s development.
Starlink’s entry into Liberia represents a crucial step towards achieving universal Internet access, which is expected to drive economic growth, improve education, and enhance healthcare services nationwide.
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