It has been more than 12 months now since when Elon Musk had announced taking his Starlink technology into Nigeria. The launch was to be made possible with the cooperation with the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) and Space X i.e. parent company of Starlink.
Technology A Blessing
Nigeria is part of Africa and within the continent of Africa, there are major issues with regard to the internet. In Nigeria alone, there are several places where there is no internet and where internet is available, the connections are bad. Responding to the needs of Nigerians, the owner of Starlink and Space X, Elon Musk, decided to introduce Starlink in Nigeria.
What is Starlink?
Starlink is a technology for the provision of internet connectivity passed on to it through satellite. Space X is the owner of satellite technology which it has been using for providing satellite based internet connections currently in 32 countries of the world. The internet connection is super-fast with lightning speed without any interruptions at all.
Mandatory Requirements
However, things don’t work in the easy way. There are mandatory requirements which are to be followed at both ends i.e. Space X and NCC. Firstly, Space X would need an operating license from Nigerian authorities before laying down the setup of satellite based internet connectivity in Nigeria. The process has already begun and any time soon the license will be obtained by Space X.
A Worthy Opponent
Already several internet companies, which are both private and public, are supplying internet connectivity in Nigeria. Resultantly, the end consumers are at advantage because they are being offered not only competitive but cheaper rates as well. So Starlink may be a worthy opponent, however, it would be required to offer competitive rates so as to make a difference in the market.
The issue of internet is however regarded as a ‘national interest’ in Nigeria and rightly so. In this connection NCC had been quick in accepting the proposal submitted by Starlink because it was in the interest of Nigerians.
Demand Vs. The Opportunity
Nigeria wishes to provide internet connectivity to about 90% of its population by the end of 2025. This is yet another reason for NCC to consider Starlink’s proposal because the objective of taking internet to 90% Nigerian population. For achieving this object, NCC has also joined hands with Microsoft. Microsoft has agreed to provide internet through its Airband Initiatives, especially in the rural areas.
At presently two major licenses have been issued by NCC at the end of May, 2022 with regard to Starlink.
Blessing Not Too Far
After NCC issued the two major licenses to Starlink, Nigerians have become quite hopeful for using satellite based internet connections in their country. So there may be further time required but Nigerians believe that it is now not too far when they will in fact behold the blessing.
Currently there are four major internet companies fulfilling the internet needs of Nigerian consumers. With the induction of Starlink, the sentiment is that Starlink will entirely change the local Nigerian communication industry. The question however is that whether Starlink would be serving an average Nigerian by offering affordable rates?
