Ghana Warns Against Unauthorized Starlink Use

Ghana has become the latest African nation to caution its citizens against using Starlink services before proper licensing is granted by the National Communications Authority (NCA), the country's telecoms regulator.

The NCA issued a public warning on December 7, alerting citizens to reports of unauthorized Starlink equipment being sold and operated within the country.

"We wish to inform the general public that the NCA has neither licensed the operations of Starlink in Ghana nor type-approved any of their equipment."

Similar cautionary statements have been issued by regulators in other African nations, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Senegal, in response to reports of unauthorized Starlink operations.  The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa, in a statement on November 28, revealed that Starlink products were being distributed in South Africa without proper licensing from within the country and neighboring nations. The regulatory body warned that those providing Starlink services without permission could face significant penalties, including fines of approximately $264,000 or 10% of their annual turnover for each day the offense persists, whichever is greater.

SpaceX plans to launch Starlink service commercially in Ghana in the third quarter of 2024, the sprawling low Earth orbit network already covers the country.

Starlink has received approval to operate in other African countries, including Nigeria and Mozambique. These two nations were the first on the continent to approve the network last year, highlighting the varying regulatory landscapes within Africa concerning satellite broadband services.

As the race for global satellite broadband dominance intensifies, the issue of unauthorized usage and distribution of services like Starlink has emerged as a challenge for regulators, prompting them to take proactive measures to ensure compliance with licensing requirements and safeguard national telecommunications infrastructures.