Starlink’s high-speed internet has officially gone live in Somalia, marking the company’s entry into its 25th African market. The National Communications Authority (NCA) approved Starlink’s operational licence in April 2025, paving the way for its launch. Government officials have welcomed the development as a key step towards narrowing the country’s digital divide, as it aligns with the focus areas of the Somali National ICT Policy and Strategy (2019–2024), including the establishment of domestic digital infrastructure and facilitating access.
Starlink is set to expand internet coverage and significantly advance digital inclusion across Somalia, especially in a country where 70% of the population struggles to access broadband services. Starlink’s residential offering is priced at USD 70 per month, with a one-time hardware cost of USD 390. While these costs may pose a barrier to widespread adoption, particularly when compared to local telecom providers, some users may prioritise the benefits of low-latency, high-speed connectivity over affordability.