SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service surpasses 7 million subscribers worldwide
In the African continent, South Africa and Nigeria lead the way in Starlink subscriber numbers, according to recent reports. This growth is largely driven by SpaceX's expanding satellite internet coverage, targeting remote and rural areas that often lack reliable terrestrial networks.
Launched in 2019, Starlink has amassed over 7 million subscribers across 150 markets, with a significant increase in usage observed in developing regions where traditional fibre and fixed wireless networks fall short. In countries like Nigeria, for instance, Starlink is becoming a dependable internet option.
The government of Niger has signed an agreement to bring Starlink to more people in their country, reflecting a growing interest in the service. Starlink's growth may be influenced by its ability to offer lower costs and increased capacity, making it an attractive choice for many.
Starlink provides average internet speeds between 50 Mbps and 100 Mbps, a significant improvement for many areas that struggle with slow and unreliable connections. In the U.S. and Canada, SpaceX has reduced costs for Starlink by offering discounts on its standard dish and lowering subscription fees for the first year.
However, the growth of Starlink is not without competition. Local players in regions like Nigeria and Kenya are investing in their own satellite and fibre upgrades, putting pressure on Starlink. Starlink is now in direct competition with internet service providers like Safaricom, OneWeb, and Spectranet.
Experts project that Starlink will double its subscribers by the end of the decade, reaching 14 million users by 2030. Long-term forecasts predict that Starlink could have as many as 32 million subscribers by 2040.
The satellite race is officially on, with Starlink's growth potentially setting a new standard for the industry. A request to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has been made to approve the use of E-band spectrum for Starlink, which could expand bandwidth and allow the service to serve millions more users without congestion.
In 2024, Starlink had 1.2 million users in the U.S., 200,000 in Canada, and 100,000 in the U.K., while smaller markets like Chile, Brazil, and Mexico are steadily increasing. Despite the higher costs compared to domestic alternatives in some regions, consumers in countries like Nigeria, Liberia, and Lesotho are willing to pay more for Starlink's reliability.
Collaborations, such as the one between Starlink and Airtel Africa to enhance rural coverage, are further boosting Starlink's presence in Africa. The future growth of Starlink could lead to a dominant position globally, with traditional providers needing to adapt quickly or face competition.
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