The Rwanda Space Agency has officially issued a license to SpaceX’s satellite internet service, ‘Starlink’ to begin operation in the country.
As a result, Starlink will start offering internet access to Rwandans in the first quarter of 2023.
The licensing agreement will enable Starlink to offer higher speed and lower latency internet connectivity through its network of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.
Rwanda becomes the fourth country in Africa to issue a license to Starlink after Mozambique, Nigeria, and Malawi.
Paula Ingabire, Minister of ICT and Innovation, said that this license aligns with the recent National Broadband Policy and Strategy that emphasizes the objective to grow the number of players that will drive the reach and diversity of affordable, quality broadband services.
“We look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the country’s competitiveness in the global digital economy,” she said.