–As Liberia Signs Deal With Elon Musk’s Starlink
Starlink’s network of low-Earth orbit satellites can provide internet to remote locations or areas that normal communications infrastructure does not reach.
IPNEWS: Liberia has signed a one-year licensing agreement with tech billionaire Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service, in a bid to boost coverage across the poorly connected West African state.
Internet coverage in Liberia currently stands at around 60 percent, acting chairman of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), Abdullah L. Kamara, told journalists at the signing of the agreement Thursday.
The aim is to push that number towards 100 percent with the help of the Starlink deal, he added.
“Every village, town, and even your farm can have access to internet” thanks to the agreement, said Kamara said. The event was livestreamed on the LTA Facebook page.
Starlink’s network of low-Earth orbit satellites can provide internet to remote locations or areas that normal communications infrastructure does not reach.
The LTA has issued a one-year provisional license to Starlink, which will officially begin operating there at the start of November, Kamara said.
“The one year is intended for all of us, they, ourselves, and the marketplace to understand the real impact — and then after one year we will issue the continuing licence with any amendment that is necessary,” he added.
The cost for users has not yet been finalized, said Kamara — but Starlink will have to work with local internet service providers in Liberia as part of the deal.
Only 30 percent of Liberia’s 5.3 million people currently have access to reliable internet services, according to a statement on the LTA website.
“Starlink’s entry into the market could be transformative, especially for rural areas with limited connectivity,” it added.
In July, Liberia’s President Joseph Boakai held a virtual meeting with Musk, the world’s wealthiest man.
They discussed “fostering international collaboration and leveraging technology for Liberia’s development”, the LTA said.
It may be recalled on July 21,2024, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. held a strategic meeting with renowned entrepreneur and the world’s wealthiest businessman Elon Musk.
Held virtually, the high-level meeting provided an opportunity for Mr. Musk to express his gratitude for the engagement with President Boakai and commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, particularly acknowledging the efforts of Minister Sara Beyslow-Nyanti and her Team for their exceptional coordination and facilitation.
President Boakai highlighted the importance of such engagement, noting that it serves as an opportunity for relationship building and long term mutually beneficial outcomes.
The President also emphasized the significance of technology to the youthful generation of Liberia as well as key sectors, noting the need for collaboration and helping in the service delivery sectors for Liberia.
During the discussion, Mr. Musk emphasized the significance of the Starlink program, a satellite internet constellation operated by Starlink Services, LLC, with coverage of 80 countries, and articulated his support for advancing initiatives related to education and healthcare.
He underscored the potential impact of internet connectivity in empowering rural communities and driving progress in vital sectors.
Expressing genuine optimism, President Boakai conveyed his confidence that the engagement with Mr. Musk on the margins of Liberia’s 177th celebration serves as a gift to the nation underscoring a commitment to nurturing a positive and enduring relationship.
Furthermore, the Liberian Leader extended an open invitation to Mr. Musk and his Team to visit Liberia, reaffirming his Government’s dedication to continual engagement and collaboration.
The dialogue between President Boakai and Mr. Musk underscores a pivotal moment in advancing international partnerships and leveraging technological innovation for the betterment of Liberia and its citizens. This initiative is a crucial component of the Government’s ARREST (Agriculture Roads Rule of Law Education Sanitation & Tourism) Agenda.
