In a significant step towards boosting Liberia’s technology infrastructure include internet access, the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) has reviewed a draft license from Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by SpaceX. Starlink, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, is seeking a one-year provisional license to begin offering broadband internet services throughout Liberia.
This potential collaboration follows a productive call between Starlink’s CEO and President Joseph N. Boakai in late July.
The meeting with Starlink’s representative was held on September 10, 2024, at LTA headquarters.
With only 30% of Liberia’s 5.3 million people currently having access to reliable internet services, Starlink’s entry into the market could be transformative, especially for rural areas with limited connectivity.
Over the years, Liberia’s telecommunications sector has been dominated by a small number of providers, often leading to limited competition and inconsistent service quality. The introduction of Starlink is expected to stimulate healthy competition, improving internet access across the country.
With the prospect of affordable and widespread satellite internet, Liberia could soon witness a major leap forward in its digital connectivity, positioning the country for further technological advancements. This development relates to a recent phone conversation between President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and Elon Musk.
In July 2024, the Liberian leader held a strategic virtual meeting with Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest businessman, focusing on fostering international collaboration and leveraging technology for Liberia’s development.
An Executive Mansion release revealed that the virtual discussion allowed Musk to express his appreciation for the engagement and commend the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, particularly Minister Sara Beyslow-Nyanti and her team, for their coordination and facilitation of the meeting.
President Boakai emphasized the importance of such high-level engagements for building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships, a statement that is potentially the reason for what is becoming a brighter future for Liberia.
He highlighted the critical role of technology in empowering Liberia’s youth and improving key sectors, stressing the need for collaboration to enhance service delivery in the country.
Musk, during the conversation, highlighted the Starlink program, a satellite internet constellation operated by Starlink Services, LLC, which currently covers 80 countries.
He expressed his support for initiatives aimed at advancing education and healthcare, emphasizing how internet connectivity can empower rural communities and drive progress in essential sectors.
