In a post on Elon Musk’s social media network X yesterday, Starlink announced the roll out of its satellite internet service to one of the continent’s least connected nations, bringing high-speed connectivity to cities, villages, and remote communities.
After receiving regulatory approval in April, Starlink has officially launched nationwide across Somalia, reaching urban hubs like Mogadishu, Hargeisa, and Bosaso, as well as isolated rural and coastal communities where traditional networks have long struggled to reach.
According to Somali publication Hiraan Online, Minister of Communications Mohamed Adan Moalim welcomed the launch as a digital milestone that aligns with Somalia’s broader goal of expanding access to affordable, high-speed internet for all citizens.
“Starlink is more than just a new service, it’s a tool for inclusion. It will support education in remote villages, power innovation in business, and enable digital services where they’ve never been possible,” said Moalim.
The National Communications Authority (NCA), which granted Starlink a 10-year license earlier this year, emphasised how the satellite network complements existing operators like Hormuud Telecom and Somtel by filling coverage gaps in areas with no fibre or cellular infrastructure.
Unlike traditional telecoms that rely on fibre-optic cables and ground towers, often compromised by instability or terrain, Starlink uses a network of more than 7,600 low-Earth orbit satellites, enabling users to get online with only a dish, a clear view of the sky, and a basic power source.
While prices remain high for many, government officials are optimistic that access will grow through partnerships with NGOs, businesses, and diaspora-backed families. For a country where internet penetration lingers below 30%, the hope is that Starlink will stimulate a digital shift.
“From rural classrooms in Galguduud to nomadic clinics in Puntland, the possibilities are now as wide as the Somali sky,” said Moalim.
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