SpaceX’s Starlink launched in Guinea-Bissau officially, marking a major step forward in expanding internet connectivity in West Africa. This move highlights Starlink’s ongoing commitment to bridging the digital divide in underserved regions (1,3,5).
Regulatory Approval and Launch Timeline
Starlink’s entry into Guinea-Bissau was enabled by the country’s National Regulatory Authority for Information and Communication Technologies (ARN-TIC), which granted full regulatory approval in April 2025 following a provisional license issued in December 2024. With this clearance, Starlink is now completing the final administrative steps for a nationwide rollout (1,5,6,7,8).
Internet Challenges in Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau has long struggled with limited internet access. As of early 2025, approximately 67.5% of the population remains offline, with only about 32.5% having internet access. The market is dominated by providers like Orange and Telecel, the latter having recently absorbed MTN’s local operations. These companies face persistent challenges, including frequent service outages and dependence on fiber connections routed through neighboring countries such as Senegal and Guinea-Conakry, resulting in unreliable connectivity (1,2,5,6,8).
Impact of Starlink
The arrival of Starlink is expected to transform Guinea-Bissau’s digital landscape in several key ways:
- Expanded Coverage: Starlink’s satellite-based network will bring stable, high-speed internet to remote and rural areas that traditional infrastructure cannot reach (5,6).
- Improved Reliability: Unlike conventional providers that often experience outages, Starlink’s service is designed for greater reliability, benefiting both personal and business users (5).
- Increased Competition: Starlink’s entry is poised to stimulate competition, potentially encouraging existing providers to enhance service quality and adjust pricing (1).
Starlink’s Standard Kit is priced at $400 with a monthly service fee of $63. For customers opting for a 250 GB residential data plan, the monthly fee is discounted to $31. Additionally, a more affordable Mini Kit is available for $205, aiming to improve accessibility for a broader segment of the population (2).
Broader African Presence
Guinea-Bissau joins a growing list of African nations with Starlink access. As of mid-2025, Starlink is active in approximately 18 to 19 African countries, with plans for further expansion throughout the year. Recent launches in Somalia, Niger, Lesotho, and others underscore the company’s aggressive strategy to connect underserved communities across the continent. Some sources mention Guinea-Bissau as the 23rd African country in Starlink’s footprint, although this figure may include recent or imminent launches beyond those currently active (3,5,6,9).
Future Outlook
With Starlink’s launch, Guinea-Bissau is set for significant improvements in digital connectivity. Enhanced internet access is expected to open new opportunities for education, healthcare, business, and economic growth. As Starlink continues its expansion, it is positioned to play a pivotal role in bridging Africa’s digital gap and fostering inclusive internet access across the region (1,5,6).
