Madagascar: Starlink obtained the agreement of the Malagasy government to launch its high-speed Internet services
April 15th 2024
Starlink, the satellite Internet network of the American company SpaceX, has obtained the agreement of the Malagasy government to launch its commercial services in Madagascar. Tahina Razafindramalo, Minister of Digital Development, Posts and Telecommunications, revealed on Monday April 8 that the company is finalizing its local installation and the regularization of its administrative situation to obtain a satellite operator license .
Details regarding the date of the launch of Starlink’s commercial activities in Madagascar have not been revealed, although Mr. Razafindramalo announced an “ imminent arrival ” of the ISP. On its website, the company plans to launch its broadband connectivity services in Madagascar from the third quarter of 2024.
It should be remembered that the Malagasy government has been implementing a policy of total liberalization of the ICT sector since April. It is in this context that the Communication Technologies Regulatory Authority (ARTEC) launched, in November 2023, an international call for tenders for the establishment and operation of public satellite communications networks in Madagascar. The initiative aims to stimulate investment, strengthen competition and reduce consumer prices.
Starlink’s entry into the Malagasy telecoms market is expected to help fill gaps in Internet coverage in Madagascar and improve adoption of the service. According to ARTEC’s 2022 activity report, the country had 4.9 million mobile Internet subscribers as of December 31, 2022 for a penetration rate of 17%. Added to this are 32,074 fixed Internet subscribers.
Source: Agency EcoFin
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