Starlink’s Libya Market Entry Remains on Hold as Negotiations Continue
Negotiations between Starlink and Libya’s telecommunications regulator over the satellite internet provider’s potential entry into the Libyan market remain open, with both sides yet to reach an agreement, according to sources within the General Authority for Communications and Informatics (GACI).
The talks, which began in 2024 under the purview of the GACI, covered the full spectrum of regulatory requirements for market entry, including the type of services Starlink would be permitted to offer, licensing structure, frequency allocations, coverage areas, and whether operations would span the entirety of Libya or selected locations. Negotiations continued through August 2026 but have not advanced further, with the Libyan side indicating that discussions remain on hold until further notice.Â
Where the Talks Stand
According to sources within GACI, a central point of disagreement has been how Starlink would meet Libya’s regulatory and infrastructure requirements. The regulator requested the establishment of a local gateway or hub within Libya, a requirement Starlink has not accepted. The company has, however, agreed to establish a locally registered subsidiary, in line with the requirement that foreign operators maintain a legal presence in the country before receiving authorisation.
Despite the difficulties, discussions yielded progress: the negotiation process generated a proposal to provide free internet access to schools, universities, and research institutions in remote areas, an outcome that reflects the potential social value both sides acknowledged the service could deliver.
It is also worth noting that Amazon Leo, formerly known as Project Kuiper, and AST Space Mobile have shown interest in accessing the Libyan market.Â
A Market With Existing Satellite Players
Starlink’s pending entry does not mean Libya lacks satellite connectivity. Several international satellite communications companies have entered the Libyan market through distribution agreements with local partners, providing connectivity services via both geostationary and low Earth orbit satellite systems. Eutelsat OneWeb is among those that have established a presence in the country through a multi-million-dollar, multi-year exclusive distribution agreement with a Libyan local partner. The agreement expanded an existing GEO services partnership with the Eutelsat Group to include LEO connectivity from early 2024, covering sectors including oil and gas, telecoms, financial services, government applications, and humanitarian organisations.
Libya’s Connectivity Landscape in Context
Libya’s broader telecommunications market has undergone considerable transformation since 2012, when the country introduced Category 2 authorisations allowing private sector internet service providers to operate. From 2012 to 2025, the number of licensed internet service providers grew to 140, with VSAT services accounting for 40 authorisations. Prior to 2012, a single government-affiliated provider, Libya Telecom and Technology, held a monopoly over internet services in the country.
Today, Libya’s digital footprint is substantial by regional standards. According to GACI, about 6.6 million Libyans use the internet, and mobile internet speeds average 30 Mbps while fixed internet speeds average 25 Mbps. According to the ICT Development Index 2025 published by the ITU, 88.5% of individuals in Libya use the internet, placing the country second in Africa in this regard, behind only Morocco.
This context makes the regulatory situation with Starlink all the more notable. Libya is not an underdeveloped market seeking to attract any available connectivity provider. It has established rules, growing digital infrastructure, and a regulator that has shown a willingness to hold its ground when operators resist complying with local requirements.