Starlink Could Come to Botswana: Government Reportedly Meet Starlink Executives

The prospect of Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet constellation, coming to Botswana is back but with a twist.

Up until now, SpaceX had applied to operate in the country, although the application was rejected.

Government and Starlink in Dialogue

According to a statement released by the Botswana presidency, President Mokgweetsi Masisi held talks with executives from Starlink’s global licensing and activation department while in the US on a business mission.

This visit, part of Masisi’s efforts to promote a business summit, and the executives engagement gives hope that, despite stumbling on the initial application, both the South African country and Starlink are warming to the idea of bringing the SpaceX subsidiary to Botswana.

Although the talks were held behind closed doors, they are the first public sign of interest in the country by satellite internet giant Starlink.

Previous Application Rejected

Earlier in February 2024, the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) rejected Starlink’s application to operate in the country due to incomplete paperwork.

At the time, Starlink had made a request to the public for them to reach out to BOCRA and explain to them the importance of Starlink in Botswana as the company continued to push for service to launch in the fourth quarter of 2024.

BOCRA’s Stance on Starlink

The Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority is also a crucial factor in whether Starlink makes it to Botswana.

BOCRA has yet to comment on the government’s meeting with the satellite broadband provider.

However, the body has made it clear that Starlink will need to jump through a lot of hoops to launch in the country.

It is unclear if the firm has fixed the problems with its initial proposal and if Starlink will meet all the requirements put forth by BOCRA.

Potential Benefits of Starlink in Botswana

The introduction of Starlink in Botswana would have a range of benefits.

Starlink consists of a large group of low-earth orbit satellites specifically designed to offer fast and reliable internet coverage to rural communities and regions.

It would help to close the digital gap in Botswana, where the internet is often still unreliable and expensive, especially outside of the bigger urban centers.

Bringing Starlink to Botswana would have a major impact for rural businesses and people, supporting their economic development and access to information.

Challenges Remain for Starlink

Of course, there are obstacles to such a U.S.-owned company setting up and operating in Botswana, key among these the need for regulatory authorization.

Starlink has met a similar fate in other African countries such as South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

Citizens and government officials worried about data privacy, the extent to which the technology might disrupt local and national telecommunication infrastructure, and about the compatibility of various dimensions of business focus with local legal requirements.

Also Read – South Africa Absent as Starlink Launches in Madagascar and Five Other Countries

The Road Ahead for Starlink in Botswana

Therefore, as much as a meeting was held between the Botswana government and Starlink executives, it is still not yet clear on whether the authorities will green light the company to render its internet services.

It is possible the BOCRA has further concerns for the company to meet or it needs to meet other requirements of Botswana’s telecommunication regulations.

Furthermore, it is important for Starlink to cooperate with the Botswana government. If it fails to do so, its operations in the country might not materialize.

Therefore, a clear and open dialogue between the two parties should bring a conducive environment for the company to begin operations.

Was this information useful? Drop a nice comment below. You can also check out other useful contents by following us on X/Twitter @siliconafritech, Instagram @ Siliconafricatech, or Facebook @ Silicon Africa.