Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite broadband provider Starlink has been licensed to operate in Haiti – and applied for a permit in Tanzania.
In a deal that appears to have been brokered by investment firm Resscop & Delaporte, Starlink Haiti can “operate freely” in the market via the Ku-band, and has been authorised to sell equipment directly and via resellers.
A statement from Resscop & Delaporte said: “The strongest assets of Haiti are the people. Today, the people in rural areas of Haiti do not have readily available access to the internet. With Starlink’s services, the people will be provided the opportunity to obtain reliable internet services … The future development of Haiti is in the hands of those who are empowered to support its ecosystem.”
TeleGeography reports that in July this year, Starlink parent firm SpaceX was authorised by Haiti’s regulator Conatel (Conseil National des Telecommunications / National Council of Telecommunications) to begin a two-year pilot programme.
The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has confirmed that Starlink has also applied for an operating licence in the market. Business Insider Africa reports that the firm is targeting a launch in the first three months of 2023.
