By Grace Q. Bryant
The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) has officially signed a licensing agreement with Starlink, an American-owned satellite company operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, to provide internet services across Liberia.
The Acting Commissioner of the LTA, Abdullah Kamara, made the announcement during the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing on October 10. Kamara emphasized that this move marks a significant advancement in expanding high-speed internet connectivity across Liberia, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
Starlink, known for its ability to deliver broadband internet through low-Earth orbit satellites, bypasses the need for traditional ground-based infrastructure.
The service has already been deployed in several countries around the world, offering solutions for areas with limited or unreliable internet access.
The licensing agreement, which has been under review for several months, is expected to revolutionize internet accessibility in rural and remote regions where conventional broadband services have struggled.
Kamara explained: “With this deal, even villages will have access to the internet. However, it’s important to clarify that Starlink’s service is not the same as mobile internet. It’s more akin to services like DSTV but with far better latency because Starlink satellites are much closer to Earth.”
He further highlighted the potential impact on institutions: “Hospitals, clinics, schools, and government offices across Liberia will now have the opportunity to sign up for Starlink services”, adding, “this development will especially benefit institutions like the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) and immigration services, which rely on real-time data access from border posts and remote locations.”
Kamara noted that while Starlink aims to provide unlimited access, users must use the service responsibly to avoid overloading the system.
“There will be a one-time cost for the Starlink equipment and a flat rate for data services. This partnership with Starlink will offer Liberians affordable, reliable internet access, ensuring we all benefit from this advanced technology”, he warned.
The initiative has been hailed as a game-changer for Liberia’s digital future, providing opportunities for collaborations between internet service providers (ISPs) and Starlink to further enhance connectivity.
