Elon Musk’s satellite internet service Starlink has received a 10-year license to operate in Lesotho. The Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) announced the approval on Monday, April 14, 2025, as Techpoint stated.
Starlink will be Lesotho’s first satellite internet provider operating in the country, highlighting progress in expanding the nation’s digital transformation agenda, according to Space In Africa.
“The approval of this operating licence clears the path for the Authority to finalise the terms and conditions under which Starlink Lesotho will provide satellite internet services to individuals and businesses across Lesotho. The licence shall be valid for a period of ten (10) years,” it said in a statement.
Starlink operating in Lesotho
The LCA went through a comprehensive review of its regulatory framework to comply with the emerging low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology, including public consultations and stakeholder engagements. This allowed the licensing process for Starlink to be completed, enabling the company to provide high-speed internet services across Lesotho.
In March, Starlink faced significant backlash in Lesotho over local equity. A rights group called Section 2 wanted Starlink to give 30% of its ownership to Basotho citizens before obtaining a license to operate. The group voiced its concerns to the Lesotho Communications Authority, stating that the licensing deal is unfair since there is no local ownership.
Starlink facing pushback in South Africa
Starlink’s issues in Lesotho are reminiscent of those it faced in neighboring South Africa. South Africa has Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) laws that require foreign investors in the telecom sector to allocate 30% of a project’s equity to Black-owned businesses to qualify for a license. The policy is designed to mitigate racial inequalities formed under apartheid and is supported by the African National Congress Party (ANC).
The founder of Starlink, who was born and went to school in South Africa, wrote on X, “Starlink is not allowed to operate in South Africa, because I’m not black.” However, the country’s officials’ denied Musk’s claim, and a regulator shared that Starlink had not applied for a license.
Image: Donald Giannatti
#blacktech #entrepreneur #tech #afrotech #womenintech #supportblackbusiness #blackexcellence #technology #blackbusiness #blacktechmatters #blackowned #blackgirlmagic #blackpreneur #startup #innovation #hbcu #techtrap #blackownedbusiness #pitchblack #autographedmemories #blacksintech #shopblack #wocintech #nba #blackwomen #repost #hbcubuzz #blackwomenintech #startupbusiness #nails
Source link
