Starlink’s Expansion and Improving Speeds in Africa Sparks New Telco-LEO Partnerships
Starlink is rapidly expanding its satellite broadband services across Sub-Saharan Africa, now available in 27 countries, leading to increased partnerships between mobile operators and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) providers. Ookla's Speedtest data confirms Starlink's growing user base and speeds, though terrestrial networks still hold an advantage in latency and price, with Zimbabwe showing significant growth.
Why it matters
The expansion of LEO satellite internet like Starlink is crucial for bridging the digital divide in underserved rural areas of Africa, fostering economic development, and changing the competitive landscape for telecommunications providers.
Satellite broadband access is spreading across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) as Starlink expands into 27 countries and mobile operators show growing interest in partnering with non-terrestrial network providers. While satellite coverage is often cited as a solution for the rural connectivity gap, the technology is primarily used as an alternative to high-speed terrestrial broadband service. Using Starlink as the key reference point, Speedtest Intelligence® data confirms the widening speed gap with terrestrial networks, though local ISPs retain a clear advantage in latency and price. The market is also being shaped by new partnerships and the rise of Direct-to-Device (D2D) technology that enables smartphones to connect to satellites directly.
The article presents data-driven analysis from a reputable source (Ookla) on market trends and technological expansion, maintaining a neutral, factual tone.
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