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A report by Rest of World, a global non-profit publication, reveals that Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, offers a more affordable monthly subscription than the leading fixed internet service providers in five out of 16 African countries analysed.
In Ghana, for instance, Starlink’s monthly fee of $33 is less than half the $71 charged by the leading internet service provider. The other countries where Starlink is cheaper include Kenya, Cape Verde, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.
Notably, Zimbabwe records the widest gap, with Starlink costing $30 monthly compared to $633 charged by the top ISP.
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The analysis highlighted that Starlink’s affordability does not include the upfront hardware cost, which varies from $178 in Kenya to $381 in Nigeria.
In contrast, in Nigeria, Starlink’s subscription fee of $48.47 is more than five times the $9.59 charged by the leading fixed ISP, showcasing the disparities in internet pricing across the continent.
Starlink’s pricing is not fixed, with adjustments made periodically to reflect market conditions. SpaceX has yet to comment on the findings.
The comparison was based on Starlink’s residential service versus the cheapest unlimited plans offered by leading fixed ISPs as of January 9, 2025. Prices were converted to U.S. dollars for uniformity.
This report underscores the evolving dynamics of internet accessibility and affordability across Africa as satellite internet becomes increasingly competitive.
