Liberia, Africa’s oldest independent nation, has long struggled with limited internet access, particularly in remote areas where traditional internet service providers (ISPs) fail to provide reliable connectivity. This digital divide hampers economic growth, education, and communication, leaving millions disconnected. However, the introduction of Starlink, a satellite internet constellation developed by SpaceX, offers a potential game-changer for the country’s digital future.
Starlink: A potential solution to Liberia’s internet woes
With recent disruptions caused by cable cuts, the need for alternative internet solutions has become critical. Unlike traditional ISPs that rely on physical cables, Starlink uses a network of low-orbit satellites to deliver high-speed internet, making it less vulnerable to ground infrastructure damage. This makes it especially valuable for countries like Liberia, where internet infrastructure is limited and vulnerable to frequent interruptions.
Liberian scholar J. Mawolo Baysah has highlighted both the opportunities and risks that come with Starlink’s entry into the country.
Bridging the digital divide
Despite progress in internet access, with Liberia’s internet penetration rate standing at approximately 30% in early 2024, many remote regions still lack necessary infrastructure. Starlink’s satellite technology could provide high-speed internet to even the most isolated areas, helping bridge the digital divide and ensuring all Liberians can access online resources and opportunities.
Stimulating economic growth and innovation
Reliable high-speed internet could significantly boost Liberia’s economy, especially in its emerging technology sector. Access to digital platforms would benefit entrepreneurs and small businesses, fostering innovation and attracting foreign investment. Increased internet penetration could also help diversify Liberia’s economy, reducing its reliance on traditional sectors like agriculture and mining, and promoting the growth of fintech, e-commerce, and other technology-driven industries.
Baysah emphasized that Liberia, with its young and dynamic population, is well-positioned to seize these opportunities, provided that investments are made in digital literacy and entrepreneurial skills.
Advancing education and healthcare
Starlink’s services could also revolutionize education in Liberia, particularly in rural areas where schools struggle with limited resources. Access to high-speed internet would enable students and teachers to utilize online resources, improving the overall quality of education. Telemedicine, another key area of potential growth, could dramatically improve healthcare delivery in remote areas, enabling healthcare providers to offer remote consultations and treatment plans, connecting patients with doctors without requiring long-distance travel.
Challenges and risks
Despite the potential benefits, Baysah warns of the risks posed by Starlink’s entry into Liberia’s telecommunications market. Local ISPs like Lonestar Cell MTN and Orange Liberia, which dominate the market, may struggle to compete with Starlink’s pricing and service quality. This could lead to market consolidation, job losses, and the closure of smaller ISPs.
The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) must carefully consider policies that protect local jobs while fostering healthy competition in the market. Regulatory and security concerns are also key, as satellite-based services operate on a global scale, making it harder for national authorities to monitor and control data traffic.
Jarsea Burphy, of LTA’s communications department, acknowledged the potential of Starlink’s entry, stating that while Starlink offers advantages such as low latency, it will need to be competitive to attract customers. Burphy also emphasized the importance of Starlink partnering with a local ISP to develop accessible pricing structures for the public.
Looking ahead
As Liberia moves toward greater internet connectivity, Starlink’s arrival could provide the much-needed competition and innovation to drive down costs and improve service quality. However, careful planning, regulatory oversight, and strategic partnerships will be essential to ensuring that Liberia’s digital transformation benefits all citizens, fostering growth while protecting local businesses and jobs.
