The Nigerian Communication Commission, (NCC) has approved for Elon Musk’s Starlink, a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, providing satellite Internet access coverage to 32 countries where its use has been licensed.
Musk, the World’s richest man, was so excited that he had to gleefully share the information via his Twitter handle.
Starlink, a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, provides high-speed, low-latency broadband internet across the globe. So far, they are providing satellite Internet access coverage to 32 countries.
This licensing followed a visit to Nigeria by the company’s team in May last year.
“The company received two licenses, which include the International Gateway license and Internet Service Provider (ISP) license, and will be trading as Starlink Internet Services Nigeria Ltd.
According to NCC, the International Gateway license has a 10-year tenure while the ISP license is to last for five years. Both licenses take effect from May 2022 and may be renewed after the expiration.”
With a pocket- friendly cost, Starlink will enable video calls, online gaming, streaming, and other high data rate activities that historically have not been possible with available satellite internet. Prospective users will have the option to take Starlink with them via the Portability feature or Starlink.
In May last year, Starlink’s Market Access Director for Africa, Ryan Goodnight along with SpaceX consultant, Levin Born had paid a visit to the NCC where they expressed interest to obtain a license to operate the satellite internet in the country.
Prior to the visit, the regulator and the space company have been discussing the issue virtually before approval for a physical meeting was granted by the NCC.