Liberia is exploring plans to license Amazon’s Project Kuiper to rival Starlink as the West African country seeks to drive down internet costs and become a testbed for Africa’s satellite broadband future.
The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) confirmed yesterday that it is re-examining licensing frameworks to allow new satellite providers into the market, including Amazon, to reshape its internet connectivity.
Speaking after a meeting with Sara Horner, political and economic counselor at the US Embassy in Monrovia, the regulator said its ongoing license review is part of broader efforts to modernise Liberia’s telecom framework.
Starlink, owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, officially entered Liberia in January 2025, charging $40–$ 50 per month, with equipment priced at $390. While the service has expanded connectivity, especially in rural areas, regulators believe competition could drive down costs and improve quality.
“Expanding the range of providers ensures Liberians have more choices. We are committed to modernising our telecom framework so that broadband becomes more affordable and accessible for all citizens,” the LTA said in a statement.
Project Kuiper, Amazon’s satellite broadband initiative, plans to deploy 3 232 low-Earth orbit satellites, with global commercial services expected to begin by the end of 2025.
The US-based multinational technology company, founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos, says its network is designed to connect schools, hospitals, businesses, and communities that lack reliable internet.
According to Business Research Insights, the global low-Earth orbit satellite market was worth $5.43 billion in 2024 and is projected to surge to $31.15 billion by 2033, growing at a rate of 21.4% annually.
Liberia believes that positioning itself early would attract investment and drive digital growth in a country where only 1.84 million people, about 32.4% of the population, are online.
Competition in the sector is heating up across Africa with Vodacom, through its parent Vodafone, having already partnered with Amazon to extend Project Kuiper’s satellites to expand 4G and 5G coverage.
“Collaborating with Project Kuiper gives us an exciting new path to improve our reach to unserved communities,” Vodacom spokesperson Byron Kennedy told IT Web early this year.
For Liberia, welcoming Kuiper would unlock reliable, affordable internet and US Embassy officials in Monrovia have pledged to advocate for Liberia’s case with Amazon as part of Washington’s strong diplomatic support for the country’s digital ambitions.
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