Starlink Launches High-Speed Satellite Internet in Lesotho
Lesotho has officially welcomed Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, marking the country’s first satellite-based broadband provider. The Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) granted the company a 10-year operating license on April 14, 2025, following a year-long regulatory review process. This milestone aligns with Lesotho’s broader digital transformation strategy to enhance connectivity in underserved regions.
Starlink’s standard hardware kit costs ZAR 7,400 (USD 410.80), and the residential monthly subscription fee is ZAR 950 (USD 52.70). Additionally, the Starlink Minikit will be available nationwide for ZAR 3,800 (USD 210.95).
Starlink’s entry into the market required significant regulatory adjustments. The LCA restructured its licensing framework to accommodate low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology, culminating in a revised policy gazetted on January 31, 2025. This enabled Starlink Lesotho (Pty) Ltd, the local entity under which SpaceX operates, to secure a Network Service License, permitting it to offer high-speed internet to individuals and businesses nationwide.
However, the approval has not been without controversy. Local telecom operators, including market leader Vodacom Lesotho, have raised objections over Starlink’s lack of local ownership. During a public consultation, Vodacom Managing Director Mohale Ralebitso argued that foreign operators should be required to establish local equity partnerships before gaining market access. Civil society groups further amplified these concerns, critiquing the licensing decision as undermining efforts to promote domestic investment in the telecom sector.
The debate reflects broader challenges facing Starlink’s expansion across Africa, where regulatory requirements for local participation have slowed its rollout in key markets. South Africa, for instance, has delayed Starlink’s official launch due to strict ownership rules mandating 30% Black South African equity, a policy that SpaceX has yet to comply with.
Read: Starlink Commits USD 27.9 Million to Connect Rural South African Schools Amid Regulatory Standoff
Starlink’s arrival also coincides with ongoing trade discussions between Lesotho and the United States. The U.S. recently imposed a 50% tariff on certain imports from Lesotho, one of the highest rates under a new trade policy announced by the Trump administration. While reports suggest a temporary reduction may follow, the economic implications remain a point of diplomatic engagement.
Despite industry pushback, Starlink’s service is expected to significantly improve internet accessibility in Lesotho, particularly in rural and remote areas where traditional broadband infrastructure is limited. The government views this development as a catalyst for economic growth, education, and digital inclusion. Moving forward, the LCA has indicated it will monitor Starlink’s compliance with service quality and coverage obligations, ensuring the company contributes meaningfully to the nation’s connectivity goals.