Monrovia– The Liberia Telecommunication Authority (LTA) has confirmed that Starlink, a satellite internet service provider owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has signed a one-year licensing agreement to operate and provide internet connectivity across the country.
By Jaheim T. Tumu- [email protected]
The historic agreement to bring Starlink to Liberia marks a significant milestone in the country’s technological and digital transformation. For the first time, Liberia will have universal communications coverage, allowing anyone in the country to access the internet from any location.
This initiative aligns with the goals of Liberia’s National ICT Policy, which seeks to provide inclusive digital infrastructure and expand connectivity to underserved areas. The Joseph Boakai-Jeremiah Koung administration is set to accomplish this objective through the deployment of Starlink, ensuring that even remote and rural regions gain access to reliable and high-speed internet.
The license will allow LTA to evaluate Starlink’s services over the next year, beginning November, setting quality standards and ensuring consumer protection as this cutting-edge technology is deployed.
According to the Liberia LTA, it is in an ongoing discussion with Starlink to finalize commercial pricing for their services, aiming to make them affordable for consumers. These prices, which include a one-time payment for the Starlink kit and a monthly flat-rate charge for data usage, will be confirmed ahead of Starlink’s official launch in Liberia in the coming weeks. The focus is on ensuring that the service remains accessible and beneficial to a broad audience.
Why Starlink?
Despite a moderate increase in internet usage in Liberia, more than half of the population remains without access. Liberia’s internet penetration stands at just 33.6% of the population of 5.2 million, according to data from DataReportal. Many believe that Starlink’s entry could significantly boost connectivity, especially in rural areas.
Starlink’s satellite technology offers greater coverage and can be implemented faster than fiber optic cables, which, while more reliable, are costly to set up. “Given that it has been about 13 years since the deployment of the Africa Coast to Europe submarine optical fiber cable, and Liberia’s internet penetration has not expanded as quickly as we had hoped, Starlink’s deployment might be the solution to bridging the digital divide,” noted a local tech enthusiast.
In addition, its satellite-based internet service leverages low Earth orbit satellites to deliver high-speed internet to areas with limited or no connectivity. Its potential to provide reliable internet access in rural and remote areas could transform education, healthcare, and economic opportunities in underserved communities. Starlink is already operating in several African countries, including Nigeria, Rwanda, Mozambique, and Kenya.
Making the announcement at a press conference on Thursday in Monrovia, the Acting Chairperson of the LTA Abdullah Kamara, said the one-year provisional license granted would allow the LTA to monitor and assess the impact of Starlink’s satellite-based services on existing licensees within Liberia.
Accordingly, during this one-year period, the LTA aims to develop quality-of-service standards and implement customer protection measures specifically for satellite telecommunications. This provisional license will enable Starlink to begin operations while the LTA conducts a closer evaluation of how the service fits into the broader telecommunications landscape in the country.
He also emphasized the agreement is to enhance Liberia’s digital future, describing it as a pivotal moment that will improve Liberians access to the internet.
Said Kamara, “For the first time in our country’s history, we are making universal internet access a reality. “This agreement will allow Starlink to deliver high-speed internet to every village, town, and community, no matter how remote. It is a proud moment for me to be part of this, to usher Liberia into uncharted but well-deserved territory.”
Kamara emphasized that this initiative is not just about convenience — it’s about rights and access. Starlink, with over 6,000 satellites in low Earth orbit, is set to offer high-speed internet access directly to customers in Liberia.
These customers can purchase Starlink kits either through the official Starlink website or from licensed Internet Service Providers (ISPs) authorized by the LTA to resell Starlink products. Starlink plans to offer various packages tailored for both residential and business users, and it is also authorized to install user kits on moving vehicles such as ships, planes, and cars, ensuring internet access even on the go.
“For all telecom providers and regulators globally, one of the key indicators of success is access — ensuring that every citizen has the right to information and communication services. With Starlink’s satellite internet, we will achieve this access, making high-speed internet available even in the most remote parts of Liberia, he said.
I am very proud to be the acting chairperson at this time to usher Liberia into unchartered but well deserve territory. All telecom regulators in the world, one of their major indicators for success is access. Access to telecommunication services throughout the country. Access to information is a right to the citizens and I am really pleased that our Board at this time, has decided to award a license to Starlink whom services will be available, I think understand they covered 98 percent of Liberia which means every village, town, and even farm you can have access to internet.
Abdullah Kamara, Acting Chairperson, LTA Board of Commissioners
According to Kamara, Starlink was chosen over other potential providers due to the internet landscape in Liberia is still only around 60 percent.
“The government’s goal Is to push that number as close to 100 percent as possible, and Starlink’s satellite technology makes that goal achievable,” he said.
Despite extension to internet access, the agreement also addresses concerns about Liberia’s existing internet infrastructure, specifically the Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) fiber optic cable. The ACE cable, which has experienced three outages this year, is the backbone of Liberia’s current internet services. But with the presence of Starlink, the country stands as a vital backup system, ensuring continuous connectivity even if the ACE cable fails again.
“This redundancy is crucial for ensuring reliable internet service across Liberia. With Starlink as a backup, we won’t experience the same level of disruption when the ACE cable goes down. We are taking major strides in securing Liberia’s digital future,” Kamara said.
Kamara indicated that Starlink is not providing mobile internet services but compared its function to that of a satellite television provider like DSTV.
“This service is more like an Internet Service Provider (ISP), but with significantly improved latency due to Starlink’s low-orbit satellites,” Kamara explained. “What makes Starlink different is that the satellites are much closer to earth, which means faster speeds and better performance for the end user.”
Kamara highlighted that the service would benefit government ministries and agencies including other facilities across the country,”
“This means that town halls, clinics, and schools all over Liberia will now have the opportunity to sign on to Starlink services,” he said.
Kamara revealed the LTA is pushing for Starlink to work with local internet providers to ensure that the economic benefits from the initiative are shared with Liberians.
“We have made it clear that we want Starlink to collaborate with local ISPs, so they can be part of this transformation,” Kamara said. “This will create opportunities for local businesses and bring the service directly to homes, hospitals, clinics, and government offices.”
