SpaceX plans to launch Starlink in Burundi in 2024. The vast majority of the African country’s population still lacks access to the internet, so the government is seeking to close the gap as part of its digital transformation.
Today, access to the internet is an important part of development. With its help, we can not only stay in touch and be entertained but also receive important information, including knowledge. Many people on Earth still do not have access to decent education. Therefore, it is very important to have as wide access to the internet as possible. Laying cables is expensive and not always possible due to terrain or weather conditions. However, satellite internet is an ideal alternative. After SpaceX launched Starlink, more and more countries around the world have become interested in providing satellite internet to their residents.
According to a report from the Ecofin Agency, SpaceX has begun negotiations with the authorities of the African Republic of Burundi about launching the Starlink satellite internet service. On September 19, the delegation of the American company was received by the president Evariste Ndayishimiye. The meeting took place in New York on the sidelines of the 78th UN General Assembly.
According to the official website, Starlink plans to launch its services in Burundi in the second quarter of 2024. However, it is worth keeping in mind that the launch of the service and its availability in the country will only be possible after regulatory approval. Therefore, the exact dates will become known closer to the launch.
According to DataReportal, almost 90% of Burundi’s population does not have access to internet services. As of January 2023, the country had 1.33 million internet subscribers. This reflected a penetration rate of 10.2%. The country’s government is seeking to bridge this gap as part of its digital transformation. Starlink will speed up coverage of the entire population of Burundi with high-speed internet connection.
