Introduction to Starlink’s Expansion in South Sudan
South Sudan’s communications regulator, the National Communications Authority (NCA), has granted SpaceX’s Starlink a license to operate in the country. This approval is set to significantly boost South Sudan’s current 12.1% Internet penetration, particularly extending services to rural and underdeveloped areas. This initiative aligns with the NCA’s mandate to regulate telecommunications and the ICT sector effectively.
Registration and Payment Requirements
Customers will be required to register and make payments in South Sudanese pounds, equivalent to agreed US dollar rates. Starlink will offer four pricing plans, ranging from $38.19 to $5,005.40 monthly. The equipment necessary for these services will be available at $296.67 for the Standard Kit and $2,502.70 for the Flat High-Performance Kit. These tariffs, compliant with the National Communications Act and the 2016 tariff regulations, have received official approval from the NCA.
Broadband Service Plans and Pricing
The satellite plans are categorized into four options: the Standard Plan, Priority Plan, Mobile Plan, and Mobile Priority Plan. It’s important to note that the broadband service tariffs exclude applicable taxes and statutory fees. This structured pricing allows customers to choose a plan that best suits their needs, whether for standard use or high-performance requirements.
Local Distributors and Compliance
Starlink plans to appoint local distributors throughout South Sudan to ensure efficient delivery of services. The NCA has advised against importing Starlink equipment through unauthorized distributors, as this would violate sections 97 and 98 of the National Communications Act of 2012. This regulatory measure aims to maintain control and ensure the quality of services provided to South Sudanese customers.
Telecom Energy Service Company (TESCO) Funding
The initiative follows the funding provided by the Telecom Energy Service Company (TESCO), during which the Finnish development finance institution, FinnFund, identified South Sudan as having one of the lowest rates of mobile access and connectivity globally. This funding has paved the way for revolutionary plans to enhance communication services in the country, with Starlink being a significant part of this transformation.
Starlink’s Presence in Africa
Starlink is actively expanding across Africa, having recently launched services in Madagascar and obtained licenses in Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. The satellite company is already operational in more than nine African countries, including Nigeria, Rwanda, Malawi, Zambia, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Mozambique, and Mauritius. According to Starlink’s availability map, the service date for South Africa remains unknown, though it has reportedly been operational there since 2023.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
The approval of Starlink’s operations in South Sudan marks a crucial step in the country’s efforts to improve its telecommunications infrastructure. With enhanced Internet penetration, particularly in rural and underdeveloped areas, South Sudan is poised to experience significant advancements in connectivity. This development aligns with the NCA’s regulatory objectives and opens up new opportunities for growth and innovation in the nation’s ICT sector.
