Space X satellite connectivity subsidiary Starlink announced it launched broadband services in Benin, marking the sixth country in Africa to see the service.
The company the announcement on X. Starlink’s map shows it has service in five other sub-Saharan countries Nigeria, Rwanda, Mozambique, Kenya and Malawi.
Ecofin Agency reported the service will cost CFA30,000 (US$49) per month with an equipment charge of CFA400,000, and an additional CFA3,125 monthly charge to regulator ARCEP for access to spectrum. Starlink is currently in discussions with ARCEP to reduce these costs.
Stats from the regulator stated there were 10 million subscribers that connect to mobile internet services and 24,641 broadband subscribers in March. Benin had a population of around 13 million in 2021 according to the World Bank.
Starlink laid out ambitions to connect 23 countries in Africa to its services but that ambition seems behind schedule.
East African nation Burundi was reporedtly in discussions with Space X to bring Starlink services next year
