Starlink Goes Live in Senegal

Starlink’s satellite internet service is now operational in Senegal, supporting the country’s efforts to expand nationwide digital access. The launch contributes to Senegal’s goal of extending connectivity to remote and underserved areas and connecting one million citizens by the end of 2026.

By offering an alternative where terrestrial infrastructure is limited, Starlink helps address last-mile connectivity gaps. Its low-latency, high-speed capabilities enable data-intensive uses such as remote work, e-learning, telemedicine, and digital commerce, supporting inclusive digital growth and socio-economic development.

Competitive Satellite Broadband Landscape

The arrival of Starlink follows Sonatel Orange’s introduction of the country’s first satellite-based internet services in December 2025, which represented a major advance in the national effort to extend high-speed connectivity to all regions and communities. The Orange satellite internet offering, delivered in the Eutelsat Konnect platform, provides unlimited high-speed internet access for households and businesses.

Senegal now joins a growing number of African markets where multiple satellite internet providers are competing to bridge the digital divide, offering consumers and businesses greater choice in connectivity solutions tailored to different needs and price points.

SpaceX’s Expanding African Footprint

This milestone reflects SpaceX’s broader expansion of satellite broadband services across Africa. Over the past year, Starlink has launched operations in the Central African Republic, São Tomé and Príncipe, Chad, Somalia, Lesotho, Guinea-Bissau, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Niger, and Liberia, significantly expanding the company’s continental presence.

The company is also navigating regulatory processes in several additional markets, with services expected to launch in Cameroon and Namibia, pending ongoing regulatory discussions. However, the expansion has not been without challenges; Uganda notably suspended Starlink operations, highlighting the complex regulatory landscape satellite internet providers must navigate across different African jurisdictions.