SpaceX, the American spacecraft manufacturer and satellite communications corporation, has announced the launch of its Starlink services in Nigeria, becoming the first African country to receive the satellite internet constellation.
Starlink, a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, was launched in 2019 and provides coverage to 46 countries.
According to a tweet posted on the official SpaceX page, “Starlink is now available in Nigeria – the first African country to receive service!” the company announced in a tweet on Monday.
Despite the availability of Starlink’s internet services throughout Nigeria, its high cost may prevent many citizens from accessing it, according to analysts.
However, Nigeria’s Communications Minister, Isa Pantami, recently reported that the country has achieved 100% broadband coverage with the licensing and operation of Starlink, three years ahead of schedule.
“Based on the National Broadband Plan, we were to have 90% broadband coverage by December 2025. However, we recently gave a licence to Starlink to provide services and this has given us 100% coverage, about 3 years ahead of schedule,” the Pantami said.
SpaceX, founded by billionaire Elon Musk, is headquartered in California and aims to reduce space transportation costs and enable the colonization of Mars.
