Government to license Starlink for satellite internet operations in Ghana

The Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has announced the government’s plan to license the satellite internet network Starlink to operate in Ghana. This decision comes as part of the government’s efforts to address internet disruptions in the country.

During a briefing to Parliament on Monday, March 18, she highlighted the licensing of satellite gateway air stations, landing rights, and satellite air station networks as well as the ongoing process to license Starlink with encouragement for other operators to establish operations in Ghana.

“We have licensed satellite gateway air stations, landing rights, and satellite air station networks. One web has already been licensed. Starlink is in the process of being licensed and other operators are being encouraged to land in Ghana. We must also invest in operationalising RASCOM, the Regional African Satellite Company, instead of each country going alone,” she remarked.

To further enhance internet resilience, the Minister advised organizations to store their content, databases, applications, and services in at least two tier-three or tier-four data centers within the country, located at different locations. Additionally, she recommended utilizing the National Data Center as either the primary or backup recovery data host.

According to the Minister, before the recent internet disruption, the Ministry lacked the framework for licensing satellites. The Ministry has, however, equipped itself over the years with the requisite knowledge to license these satellites.

“The NCA did not have a framework for licensing satellites but the Authority has in the last year concluded bench-marking and learning from other jurisdictions where this has been implemented. Currently, they have developed a satellite licensing framework in Ghana which has been approved by its board and awaiting the final policy approval.

“This framework will provide the policies and rules relating to the application for frequency authorizations for satellite services in Ghana. It outlines the various categories of satellite services, the licensing requirements, and its associated fees,” she noted.

In December 2023, the Ministry cautioned the public against purchasing items from Starlink as it was not licensed in Ghana. However, following due diligence, the Ministry is now prepared to offer Starlink an operating license to improve internet access in the country.

While acknowledging that Starlink’s service is expensive, the Minister assured plans to engage other sector players to cater to individuals across different economic strata. Discussions are ongoing to explore affordable back-haul satellite solutions with all satellite service providers under the auspices of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). These discussions are expected to yield solutions to make satellite internet more accessible to a broader demographic in Ghana.