STARLINK: To Nigeria And Beyond

Nigeria will now have access to SpaceX’s satellite internet constellation, according to an announcement made on the official SpaceX Twitter account @Spacex on January 30, 2023. This makes Nigeria the first country in Africa to gain access to satellite internet service.

In 2019, SpaceX started launching Starlink satellites. As of February 2023, Starlink comprises about 3,580 mass-produced small satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) that connect to certain ground transceivers for communication. With a potential eventual increase to 42,000 satellites, a total of approximately 12,000 are anticipated to be deployed. In December 2022, SpaceX made the announcement that it had over one million subscribers.

According to the company's site, “Starlink provides high-speed, low-latency broadband internet across the globe. Within each coverage area, orders are fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis.”

“With Starlink, users can engage in activities that historically have not been possible with satellite internet. Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency service is made possible via the world’s largest constellation of highly advanced satellites operating in a low orbit around the Earth.”

StarLink Packages

1. STANDARD

For household customers and typical internet users including streaming, video calls, online gaming, and more, the Starlink regular package is best.

Everything you need to connect to the internet is included in the Starlink Kit, including the Starlink, Wi-Fi router, power supply, cables, and base.

Read: High Paying Tech Jobs and How to land one

2. HIGH PERFORMANCE

Power-user, corporate, and enterprise applications benefit the most from this package. It is more resistant to harsh settings, provides faster speeds in hot environments, and can connect to more satellites.

3. FLAT HIGH PERFORMANCE  

This is intended for use in demanding settings and mobility applications. It can connect to more satellites because of its wide field of vision and improved GPS capabilities, enabling constant communication while moving around. The hardware is more resistant to harsh environments and is intended for permanent installation. The sole dish is currently designated for use while driving in permitted nations.

Seyifunmi Awobiyi, a journalist for Vanguard, claims that after placing a purchase, there is a one- to two-week wait before receiving Starlink. Also, according to the Starlink official website, there is a monthly service cost of ₦19,260 and a one-time payment for the hardware of ₦274,098. 

Although the price may appear high, sources claim that the internet speed more than justifies it. Starlink may be out of the price range of the average Nigerian due to its enormous cost. Still, medium to large-scale businesses, nascent tech startups, tech hubs, and many other companies that need quick and reliable internet services will undoubtedly use it since it is accessible in even the most isolated regions of Nigeria and has an estimated internet speed of between 50 and 200 Mbps. Starlink also has a mobile app where real-time performance data like download speed, latency, and uptime can be monitored.

Starlink offers 30 days trial for their product and seems quite flexible in terms of contract length.

According to the company site, “Long-term contracts prevent both parties from making sensible changes when necessary.

With Starlink, it’s a fair deal both ways. Starlink can adjust terms and pricing as needed, and customers can cancel at any time, for any reason.

Try any Starlink Service for 30 days and, if not satisfied, return the hardware for a full refund.”

Starlink is presently only available in Nigeria and Rwanda, but according to the website’s availability map, Angola, Kenya, and Mozambique are expected to have access by the second quarter of 2023.

Click here to visit the company’s website and Order StarLink