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Starlink internet launch pushed to 2025

Peter 27th Nov, 2024 Telecommunication Grace Mugeni
Starlink internet launch pushed to 2025

The Starlink dish is designed to automatically align itself with the best available satellite connection. INTERNET PHOTO


US telecommunications giant Starlink’s launch in Uganda has been postponed to 2025.

Starlink was approved to operate in Uganda in 2023 and was set to start operations this year. The exact reason for the delay in Starlink's launch in Uganda was not explicitly stated.

However, some analysts say it could be due to the complexity of obtaining necessary regulatory approvals from the Ugandan government, including securing licenses for satellite operations, spectrum allocation, and compliance with local telecommunications regulations.

  • Apart from operating offshore outside the prying eyes of governments and regulators, Starlink also offers significantly faster internet speeds compared to traditional satellite internet, enabling activities like video streaming, online gaming, and video conferencing.

Also, unlike traditional internet providers, Starlink often doesn't impose strict data caps, providing users with more flexibility. Additionally, Starlink's network of satellites provides global coverage, allowing users to access high-speed internet in remote areas, outside the restrictions imposed by local authorities and regulators.

The company has rolled out a direct to mobile phone network, which expands Starlink’s vision by providing ubiquitous connectivity and seamless access to text, voice, and data for LTE phones and devices across the globe.

  • Consequently, the demand for Starlink’s services has seen significant popularity worldwide, and limitations in terms of availability of hardware could be another factor for delaying the launch in new markets. Starlink launched in Kenya mid last year and has registered significant demand, so much that the company has had to temporarily halt new sign-ups due to shortage of hardware and equipment.

In Africa, Starlink has also been approved to operate in Mozambique, Eswatini, Botswana, Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi, Benin, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Malawi.

Press reports in Kenya recently said Starlink terminals had been swept off the shelves in record time.

Founded by Elon Musk under SpaceX, Starlink aims to bridge the digital divide by offering high-speed internet connectivity across the globe, leveraging a constellation of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.

The company is renowned for its groundbreaking advancements in space technology. The project's primary objective is to create a satellite network that provides internet services to those areas where access has been unreliable, expensive, or completely unavailable. As of 2024, it has launched over 1,500 satellites serving almost three million customers worldwide.

  • Starlink's unique selling proposition lies in its use of LEO satellites. Unlike traditional satellite internet services that use geostationary satellites located approximately 36,000 kilometers above Earth, Starlink's satellites orbit at altitudes ranging from 540 to 570 kilometers. This proximity to Earth significantly reduces latency, resulting in faster and more reliable internet service.
  • The service offers impressive download speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 200 Mbps. The average in Uganda is 20-30 Mbps. These figures are comparable to, if not better than, many terrestrial broadband services. Moreover, Starlink offers unlimited data plans, a significant advantage over many traditional satellite internet providers that impose data caps.

The primary advantage of Starlink is its potential to provide high-speed internet access to remote and rural areas worldwide. This could revolutionize connectivity in regions where terrestrial internet services are not feasible due to geographical challenges.

Starlink's satellite dishes are small, portable, and easy to install, making the service flexible and adaptable to various needs. This portability is particularly beneficial for those who require internet access in multiple locations, such as RV owners and remote workers.

The potential impact of Starlink is immense. By providing reliable, high-speed internet access to remote areas, Starlink could significantly reduce the global digital divide. This could have far-reaching implications for education, healthcare, and economic development in these regions.

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