Ghana’s National Communications Authority (NCA) has formally ruled that SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service is operating illegally there.
The NCA said that none of Starlink’s equipment has been approved and that the company does not have a licence to operate in the nation in a press release dated December 7, 2023.
Any organisation offering Starlink services or selling Starlink equipment is allegedly in flagrant violation of the 2008 Electronic Communications Act, according to the NCA. Starlink has issued a warning to the public not to buy any equipment or services from them, and anyone selling or running a business that provides Starlink services is asked to stop right once.
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The NCA highlights how dedicated it is to safeguarding licensees and customers while promoting fair competition in the industry. Subject to regulatory permission, Starlink had stated on its website that it planned to start offering services in Ghana by the third quarter of 2024.
On the other hand, a few intermediaries in Ghana are currently charging between GHS1,100 and GHS18,000 per month for installation when providing Starlink services. Since no particular enforcement proceedings have been revealed as of yet, it is unclear what the NCA’s declaration means for Ghanaian Starlink users who are currently in service.
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Sanctions against suppliers or discussions between the NCA and Starlink to secure a license to conduct business in Ghana are examples of potential consequences.
SpaceX launched the Starlink constellation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites with the goal of bringing high-speed internet connectivity to all regions of the world, including remote ones. The move by the NCA raises concerns about the regulatory licencing procedure as well as the future of Starlink services in Ghana.
