Starlink’s satellite internet service could be a game changer in currently underserved Liberia.

Liberian president Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s recent virtual meeting with Starlink CEO Elon Musk has opened the doors for the potential launch of the satellite internet provider in the West African country.

The partnership could be a significant boost to bridging the digital divide by providing high-speed, reliable internet access to underserved and remote areas of Liberia.

In the meeting, Boakai invited Musk and his team to visit Liberia for deeper engagements with the country’s government.

Musk underscored the transformative impact that Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite internet can have in a country like Liberia. He highlighted its potential to support rural communities and service delivery in areas such as education and healthcare.

LEO satellite communications are gaining popularity in Africa as they provide coverage in areas that aren’t easy or financially viable to reach with traditional telecoms infrastructure.

Many parts of the continent, especially rural and underserved communities, lack reliable terrestrial infrastructure, such as fibre optics or mobile towers.

To date, Starlink's licences have been approved in 13 African countries, and are commercially operational in 10.

Liberia’s internet outlook doesn’t make for pretty reading. At the beginning of the year, the country’s internet penetration was just 30% of its 5.3 million population. The average internet speed is also below global benchmarks, with median fixed connection speeds around 7.14 Mbps.

Costs are also high. In 2023, the lowest data price in the country was $1.67 per 1GB for 30 days, while the most expensive plan was $14.5, according to Statista data. The global average data price is $3.12.

The telecom sector is dominated by Lonestar Cell, MTN and Orange Liberia, which have struggled to expand their services to rural areas.