–As LTA Acting Chairperson Abdullah L. Kamara Signs Landmark Agreement With Starlink World Internet Provider
On Thursday, October 10, 2024 the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) signed a one-year provisional license for the world’s first and largest satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit, Starlink, to deliver broadband internet connectivity throughout the country.
Starlink is owned by the richest person on the planet, the American billionaire, Elon Musk, who is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SpaceX. Starlink has also signed the license. With the signing, Starlink is expected to launch operations in the coming weeks.
According to the Acting Chairperson of LTA, Abdullah L. Kamara, for the first time in Liberia’s history Starlink will enable universal communication coverage of the entire country—for everyone, anywhere in Liberia to be able to access the internet across the country.
Kamara disclosed that the universal coverage is a key objective of the National ICT Policy, which he said will be achieved through Starlink under the Joseph Boakai administration. “Starlink will also provide redundant internet access for the country in case the ACE fiber optic cable goes down, as it has happened three times in the last 12 months,” he added.
Meanwhile, LTA and Starlink is expected to launch the services in Liberia within the next few weeks.
Starlink has over 6,000 satellites flying low above the earth’s surface. These satellites will connect directly with Starlink user kits on the ground in Liberia to provide internet access to end users. Customers will be able to buy Starlink kits directly through the Starlink website, or through LTA’s licensed internet service providers permitted to resell Starlink products.
Starlink has high speed packages for both residential and business customers, and has been authorized by the LTA to have its user kits installed on moving vehicles such as ships, planes and cars.
According to the LTA, Chairperson Kamara is continuing discussion with Starlink on their commercial prices to ensure affordability. These commercial prices, the LTA said, will be confirmed before Starlink’s formal launch in a few weeks, and there will be a one-time price for the Starlink kit and monthly flat rate prices for data.
Meanwhile, the LTA has granted Starlink a one-year provisional license to allow the LTA to more closely study the impact of its service on incumbent licensees in Liberia. This one-year period will also give LTA the opportunity to understand how Starlink intends to establish quality service and other customer protection requirements for its satellite-based telecommunication services.
Starlink has a registered office in Liberia for administrative purposes, and technical support for customers will be provided through Starlink’s authorized resellers in Liberia, or directly from Starlink through its online customer support website, as many services are now provided online in today’s digital world.
The international world-class Starlink has unlimited data packages, and has committed to providing various unlimited data packages under its fair usage policy.