Elon Musk's Starlink struggles with regulations in Africa

Elon Musk's Starlink, the satellite broadband service, has been facing regulatory challenges in Africa. In Cameroon, Starlink was disconnected due to operating without a license, raising concerns about national security and fair competition. The move was criticized as anti-competitive by industry experts. Starlink has encountered regulatory obstacles in seven African countries, with some bans being reversed after engaging with top government officials. African regulators are worried about losing control over content shared through Starlink and the company not contributing to local economies. Despite facing hurdles, Starlink has managed to secure licenses in some countries like Zimbabwe and Kenya by meeting specific requirements or forming partnerships. While Starlink offers high-speed internet globally through its satellite network, it remains expensive for the average African, raising questions about its accessibility and effectiveness in bridging the digital divide on the continent. Some African experts argue that investing in terrestrial infrastructure might be a more sustainable solution for universal internet coverage.