Three months after securing its operating license, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink, has officially launched in Botswana. The service promises to bring high-speed internet to even the most remote areas of the country, marking a significant milestone in Botswana’s digital landscape.
Pricing and Accessibility
Starlink’s entry into Botswana comes with specific costs for consumers. The hardware, which includes the satellite dish and necessary equipment, is priced at P4,820 (approximately $363). Shipping costs are set at P314 ($24), and the monthly subscription fee is P688 ($52). These prices position Starlink as a premium service in Botswana’s internet market, aimed at users who require reliable, high-speed connectivity, particularly in areas where traditional internet service providers (ISPs) struggle to deliver.
Journey to Approval: Overcoming Regulatory Hurdles
Starlink’s journey to launching in Botswana wasn’t without challenges. The company began its engagement with the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) in early 2023, submitting its license application shortly thereafter. However, the process hit a snag in February 2024 when BOCRA rejected Starlink’s application, citing missing information. Sources familiar with the situation suggested that these claims were unfounded, though the regulator denied any mismanagement of the application.
The regulatory environment further complicated Starlink’s entry when BOCRA imposed a ban on the use, sale, and importation of Starlink kits in Botswana in February 2024. This move temporarily halted the company’s plans to enter the market. However, a turning point came in May 2024 when President Mokgweetsi Masisi met with Starlink executives in Dallas, Texas. Following this meeting, President Masisi reportedly advised BOCRA to approve the license, paving the way for Starlink’s eventual launch.
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Competitive Landscape: Challenging Established Players
Starlink’s arrival in Botswana introduces a new dynamic to the country’s internet service provider (ISP) market, which has traditionally been dominated by mobile network operators like BTC, Mascom, and Orange. Additionally, broadband providers such as Nashua and OPQ have been significant players in the market. Starlink’s satellite-based service offers a unique alternative, particularly for customers in rural and underserved areas, where traditional ISPs often struggle to provide consistent coverage.
With its advanced technology and global reach, Starlink is poised to challenge the status quo in Botswana’s ISP market. Its satellite internet service bypasses the need for extensive infrastructure, making it particularly appealing in a country where vast distances and remote communities have made traditional broadband expansion difficult.
Expanding Footprint in Southern Africa
Botswana is the sixth country in southern Africa to welcome Starlink, following its rollout in Zambia, eSwatini, Malawi, Mozambique, and Madagascar. This expansion highlights Starlink’s commitment to increasing internet accessibility across the region, where connectivity has historically been limited.
The launch in Botswana marks another step in Starlink’s broader mission to provide global high-speed internet coverage, particularly in regions where conventional internet services are inadequate or unavailable. As more countries in southern Africa adopt Starlink, the region is likely to see significant improvements in internet accessibility, fostering greater digital inclusion and economic development.
Starlink’s successful launch in Botswana underscores the growing demand for innovative internet solutions in Africa. As the service begins to roll out, it will be closely watched by both consumers and competitors, eager to see how this new player will reshape the digital landscape in Botswana and beyond.