President Museveni has endorsed the entry of Starlink satellite internet in Uganda after meeting with Elon Musk’s Starlink representatives including, Ben MacWilliams, the Global Licensing & Activation Manager and Brandi Oliver.
The deal was discussed yesterday at State House, Nakesero in Kampala, Uganda’s capital.
“I appreciate their commitment to providing low-cost internet in hard-to-reach areas and establishing a presence in Uganda. They are welcome,” Museveni said.
The meeting was brokered by Ambassador Adonia Ayebare and United States Ambassador to Uganda, William Popp.
However, the deal awaits regulatory approval from Uganda Communications Communication (UCC).
Two weeks ago, Mr Nyombi Thembo, the UCC Executive Director, told the CEO East Africa Magazine in an exclusive interview that Starlink had submitted their application and the regulator is set to give their position on the matter.
Bob Okodi, Amref Health Africa Uganda CFO, On Purpose-Driven Finance and Measuring Impact in Lives, Not MarginsStarlink uses advanced satellites and user hardware in a low earth orbit to deliver high-speed and low-latency broadband to internet users across the globe. The internet is capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, video calls and more.
The development comes at a time when Starlink is already operating in 19 countries across Africa. Uganda has been cautious about its entry into the market with some analysts citing “a possible distabilisation of the status quo.”
It is yet to be seen how the entry of Starlink will disrupt the status quo of the internet market that for long has been dominated by two powerful telcos.
