Lesotho has officially joined the global Starlink network, becoming the latest African nation to greenlight Elon Musk’s satellite internet service amid both celebration and controversy.
The Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) awarded SpaceX’s local arm a 10-year Network Service License on 14 April 2025, following a year of regulatory reshaping to accommodate the arrival of low-earth orbit (LEO) broadband, as reported by Space in Africa.
This move positions Lesotho as the first country in Southern Africa to fully integrate satellite-driven internet services into its national digital strategy. Authorities hope the rollout will bridge deep connectivity gaps across rural and mountainous areas, historically left behind by traditional broadband infrastructure.
Customers in Lesotho can now purchase Starlink’s standard hardware kit at ZAR 7 400 (approximately USD 410), while monthly residential subscriptions are priced at ZAR 950 (USD 52). For those seeking a more compact solution, the Starlink Minikit will retail for ZAR 3 800 (around USD 210).
The LCA’s decision to revise its licensing structure, officially gazetted on 31 January this year, paved the way for Starlink Lesotho (Pty) Ltd to enter the market. It marked a substantial policy pivot, accommodating the unique requirements of LEO satellite technology, which previously fell outside existing telecom regulations.
But not everyone is thrilled with the development.
Vodacom Lesotho, the country’s dominant mobile operator, has expressed frustration over what it sees as preferential treatment for a foreign entity. During the public consultation period, Vodacom’s Managing Director Mohale Ralebitso called on regulators to demand local equity participation from any international firm entering the telecom sector. Ralebitso argued that Starlink’s 100% foreign ownership undermines national economic goals and sets a dangerous precedent in excluding local businesses from high-value digital infrastructure projects.
Civil society echoed these concerns, warning that the licensing approach could stifle domestic innovation and reduce incentives for local investment. Calls have grown for a formal review of foreign tech licencing requirements, echoing wider policy debates that have stalled Starlink’s entry into neighbouring South Africa.
In South Africa, Starlink’s launch remains on hold due to regulatory conditions requiring 30% Black South African ownership for telecommunications companies, a condition SpaceX has yet to meet. This impasse has made Lesotho’s more flexible approach stand out, both as a potential model and a cautionary tale.
Starlink’s rollout in Lesotho comes at a tense moment in the country’s trade relations with the United States. The Trump administration recently introduced a 50% tariff on specific Lesotho exports, raising diplomatic eyebrows and threatening to overshadow bilateral cooperation. Although discussions are underway to temporarily reduce those duties, no agreement has yet been reached.
Despite the geopolitical headwinds, Lesotho’s government is pushing forward. Officials believe that the arrival of Starlink will usher in a new era of connectivity, especially in areas where fixed-line internet has failed to reach. The administration views broadband access as central to development goals around e-learning, telemedicine, and small business growth.
Starlink, for its part, has committed to meeting coverage and service standards laid out in the licence agreement. The LCA has said it will conduct regular assessments to ensure quality benchmarks are upheld and that Starlink’s presence enhances, not hinders, Lesotho’s broader connectivity ambitions.
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