Elon Musk-owned satellite internet Starlink has officially launched operations in Somalia, ushering in a new era of connectivity in one of the most underserved nations.
The service now available in the Eastern African country marks a transformative moment for digital access in remote and rural communities.
Announcing the expansion to Somalia, the company wrote on X,
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“Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency internet is now available in Somalia!”
This rollout comes after the National Communications Authority (NCA) of Somalia in April 2025, officially granted operational license approval for Starlink to launch its services. The announcement was made during a formal ceremony in Mogadishu, attended by representatives from Starlink and government officials.
Speaking at the launch event, Mustafa Yasin Sheik, Director General of the NCA, stated,
“Starlink’s entry into Somalia represents a significant milestone in our efforts to bridge the digital divide in our country, this partnership will especially benefit individuals and institutions in rural areas, where internet access has been extremely limited”.
The Minister of Communications and Technology, H.E. Mohamed Mo’allim, who also attended the event, expressed the government’s support.
He said,
“We welcome Starlink’s entry to Somalia. This initiative aligns with our vision to deliver affordable and accessible internet services to all Somalis, regardless of where they live.”
Starlink to Enhance Internet Connectivity in Somalia
The introduction of Starlink is expected to enhance internet coverage and significantly improve digital inclusion nationwide. Major cities like Mogadishu, Hargeisa, and Bosaso are now connected as are rural and coastal regions.
Internet connectivity in Somalia has seen significant progress in recent years, driven largely by private sector investment and innovative policies, but challenges remain, particularly in rural areas and due to ongoing security issues.
As of January 2023, Somalia had approximately 1.76 million internet users, representing an internet penetration rate of about 9.8% of the population (17.87 million). Decades of conflict have left fixed-line infrastructure underdeveloped, with mobile networks filling the gap. Rural areas often lack coverage, relying on expensive satellite links or travel to urban centers.
Starlink’s entry has been welcomed for enhancing connectivity in remote areas. The satellite internet holds significant potential to address the country’s internet connectivity challenges, particularly in underserved and remote areas.
Notably, Starlink’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network bypasses the need for extensive ground infrastructure, delivering high-speed (100–200 Mbps) and low-latency (20–40 ms) internet to remote and conflict-affected areas. This enables connectivity in regions where traditional providers like Hormuud Telecom struggle to expand due to cost and security issues. For example, areas like Hargeisa, Bosaso, Galkayo, Berbera, and Garowe now have access to instant satellite internet
However, while it offers transformative opportunities, it does not fully solve the connectivity issues due to persistent barriers like affordability, security, and logistical challenges. Affordability remains the biggest barrier, with costs far exceeding what most Somalis can pay, potentially limiting its impact to wealthier or institutional users unless subsidies or community-based models are implemented.
Starlink’s ambition to revolutionize internet connectivity in Africa is a bold endeavor, leveraging its low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet to a continent where connectivity challenges such as low penetration rates, high costs, and infrastructure gaps persist.
With Starlink operational in 25 African countries as of August 2025, including Somalia, it is making significant strides toward this goal.