Elon Musk-owned satellite internet service Starlink has launched operations in Chad, marking a significant milestone in the company’s mission to bridge Africa’s digital divide.
Announced on X, the company wrote,
“Starlink’s high-speed internet is now available in Chad, marking the 24th country, territory, or market in Africa where Starlink is available”.
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The launch of Starlink in Chad, comes after the internet service, secured license approval last year, to boost the country’s digital connectivity with satellite internet.
Chad, a vast landlocked nation in Central Africa, has one of the world’s lowest rates of internet connectivity. As of early 2025, only about 13% of Chadians use the internet, compared to a global average of around 60%. This means roughly 7 out of 8 Chadians have no internet access at all. Most online users are concentrated in the capital N’Djamena and a few major towns.
This is shockingly low as roughly 87% of Chadians still lack internet access, one of the highest offline populations in the world. Starlink entry into Chad is expected to provide a substantial boost to the nation’s digital infrastructure, facilitating the digitalization of public services and fostering the growth of tech startups.
Starlink’s use of over 7,000 low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites differentiates it from traditional satellite internet providers like HughesNet and Viasat, which typically offer speeds of 100–150 Mbps. This technical edge enables Starlink to deliver more reliable and higher-performance internet, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
In a country like Chad, where laying fiber-optic infrastructure can cost over $30,000 per mile, Starlink presents a cost-effective, scalable alternative. Its satellite-based approach bypasses the financial and logistical hurdles of ground infrastructure, opening new possibilities for connectivity in remote communities.
Starlink launch in Chad, comes after it launched operation in Lesotho last month, to revolutionize internet connectivity in the country. The launch comes after the internet service provider was granted a 10-year operating license by the country’s communications regulator on April 14, 2025.
As Starlink continues its rapid rollout across Africa, the launch in Chad stands out not just as another market expansion, but as a symbolic milestone in the broader quest to democratize internet access across the continent. With its presence in 24 African countries, Starlink is aggressively cementing its presence in Africa. The satellite high-speed internet (median download speeds of 40–106 Mbps in African countries) outperforms many terrestrial ISPs, offering a competitive alternative for businesses and individuals.
Its affordability in some markets cheaper than leading ISPs in at least five countries like Ghana, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, have challenged traditional telecoms to lower prices and improve services. But while the promise is great, challenges remain. Affordability will be a key determinant of adoption.
While $25 per month may be accessible for middle-income earners in urban areas, it could still be out of reach for rural populations surviving on less than $2 a day. If Starlink navigates regulatory landscapes and fosters local partnerships, its impact could reshape Africa’s digital future.
As Africa stands at the cusp of a digital transformation, satellite internet could very well be the key that unlocks the potential of its 1.3 billion residents—fueling a new era of innovation, inclusion, and growth.