Starlink has officially applied to the Uganda Communications Commission as another internet provider in the satellite segment.
In the recent 2 years, Starlink has been rapidly expanding across Africa. In the East African Region, it is already in Rwanda and Kenya. A coverage map shared on the Starlink Website shows Uganda is covered, but obviously, it is still illegal to access it. DataReportal puts internet use in Uganda in 2024 at 13.30 million internet users in January 2024.
The application comes at a time when MTN Uganda recently announced it had secured a UGX 370 billion (approximately $100 million) syndicated loan from five local banks for network expansion. It remains one of Uganda’s largest local currency-syndicated facilities. The impact of MTN Uganda’s Shs 370 Billion Syndicated Loan for network expansion on Uganda’s economy will be significant in several ways.
Africa’s internet penetration has historically lagged behind other regions, but the expansion of Starlink is indeed a game-changer. As of April 2025, Starlink has made significant strides in improving connectivity across the continent. Recently, Starlink has been granted operational approval for Somalia and Guinea-Bissau. By April 2025, Starlink became operational in 18+ African countries.
This rapid expansion is crucial for enhancing internet access in underserved areas. Analysts predict that Starlink will become Africa’s top internet service provider by mid-2030 since it is based with no infrastructure challenges. This is particularly exciting given Nigeria’s status as Africa’s most populous country. This expansion not only aims to bridge the digital divide but also supports economic growth, education, and access to information across the continent.
Key issues regarding Starlink’s entry into Uganda centre on addressing regulatory hurdles and technological advantages. Starlink’s expansion into Uganda presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, its satellite technology offers a unique solution to Uganda’s connectivity issues, bypassing the limitations of terrestrial infrastructure and bringing high-speed internet to remote areas.
The fights ahead.
However, Starlink may face considerable regulatory hurdles in Uganda. Obtaining the necessary National Public Service Provider (NPSP) license and “landing rights” from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) is a complex process, involving lengthy negotiations and compliance with existing legislation, including the Regulation of Interception of Communications Act, 2010.
Similar regulatory challenges have been encountered in other markets, such as South Africa and Kenya, where existing telecom giants have voiced concerns and advocated for collaboration between satellite providers and local mobile network operators. These regulatory hurdles could delay Starlink’s full deployment and impact its overall market penetration in Uganda.
It is likely to face regulatory hurdles regarding local content, laws, licensing fees, and infrastructure support. The existing telecom giant in Kenya fought the Starlink licensing. Safaricom requested that the regulator consider mandating satellite internet providers like Starlink to work together with local mobile network operators.
Existing Uganda telecom giants like MTN and Airtel may lobby against Starlink’s entry, citing unfair competition
Uganda’s regulatory framework requires satellite operators like Starlink to obtain a National Public Service Provider (NPSP) license and “landing rights” from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC). Landing rights authorize foreign satellite services to operate within Uganda’s borders, but the process involves lengthy negotiations and compliance with local laws, such as the Regulation of Interception of Communications Act of 2010.
Reliable different technology is not affected heavily by damaged physical group infrastructure. Starlink’s satellite technology bypasses terrestrial infrastructure, delivering high-speed internet to remote areas where fibre or mobile networks are absent. In Nigeria, rural communities like Okaka have gained access to educational resources and telemedicine, transforming local development. Similarly, in Somalia and Lesotho, Starlink’s entry has been hailed for bridging connectivity gaps in conflict zones and rural regions. Starlink’s lack of local investment, like ground substations and jobs, makes it less costly to run in Africa.
Subscriber loss if it is licensed.
The threat of causing subscriber losses for Airtel, Lyca, and MTN. Though it has flexible pricing plans, it is yet to be confirmed if those subscription models can work in a price-sensitive market like Uganda. We saw a growth of Lyca mobile because it was cheap until recently, when they increased prices.
Regulatory and Sovereignty tensions.
Starlink’s infrastructure model clashes with Many African countries’ regulations. South Africa’s 30% Black ownership rule and Namibia’s 51% local equity mandate have contributed to delaying its approval.
Companies Act, 2012 requires foreign firms to establish a local presence, which could involve setting up offices or partnering with Ugandan entities. Tax obligations, including corporate taxes and regulatory fees, must also be resolved.
While Starlink’s agility addresses urgent connectivity needs, its disruption demands balanced governance. African nations must enforce equitable regulations to prevent market monopolies while fostering partnerships between satellite providers and local telcos.
UCC emphasizes collaboration with local telecom providers to integrate services with Uganda’s existing infrastructure, such as the Uganda National Data Transmission Backbone. Starlink may need to partner with local ISPs or mobile operators to comply with regulations and ensure seamless service delivery.
Uganda’s strict interception requirements mandate that telecom providers enable government access to communications for security purposes. Starlink’s satellite-based architecture, which bypasses local infrastructure, complicates compliance with these laws. Regulators fear losing oversight of data traffic, a concern echoed in countries like Cameroon, where Starlink was banned for operating without local infrastructure. The UCC may demand technical adjustments or data-sharing agreements to address this.
Uganda’s rural population (77%) poses economic challenges for Starlink’s pricing model. While the service targets underserved areas, its upfront hardware cost and monthly fees are prohibitive for many Ugandans. The UCC may push for subsidized pricing or localized payment plans, as seen in Kenya, where Starlink adjusted hardware costs to remain competitive. Balancing affordability with profitability will be critical for approval.
Existing Uganda telecom giants like MTN and Airtel may lobby against Starlink’s entry, citing unfair competition or spectrum interference risks.
Starlink’s streamlined user setup, a small satellite dish and terminal, also enables users to connect to high-speed internet with minimal technical support, a boon for rural and underserved communities. Starlink’s LEO (low Earth orbit) satellite network is designed for agility, enabling swift deployment in regions where traditional satellite providers may face logistical or regulatory hurdles.
The ability to deploy services rapidly allows Starlink to address immediate connectivity needs, particularly in emergencies or underserved areas, paving the way for broader digital inclusion.
Challenges and Controversies Facing the Global Company stemming from Elon Musk as Head of DOGE can always affect how Starlink is treated by African governments. As Starlink expands, African governments must strike a balance between embracing its transformative potential and politics and safeguarding local interests.
Starlink’s entry into Uganda presents both significant opportunities and challenges. While the technological advantages are clear, overcoming regulatory hurdles will be critical to its success. The ability to navigate these challenges will determine how much Starlink can contribute to bridging the digital divide and fostering economic growth in Uganda.
This has the potential to significantly improve access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities in underserved communities, mirroring successful deployments in other African countries. Starlink’s system’s portability and scalability also make it suitable for various applications, from schools and clinics to businesses.
Furthermore, Starlink’s reduced reliance on extensive ground infrastructure could lead to lower operational costs than traditional providers.
