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Why are so many countries saying yes to Starlink?
The number of African countries now allowing Elon Musk’s company Starlink to provide internet services has been growing rapidly - six have granted permission in 2025 alone. And there are reports that Uganda might be next.
Starlink can be cheaper than some traditional internet providers and has been seen as a way to provide internet access to communities that are hard to reach.
But does it come at a cost to governments who might have less control over internet access? And what does it mean for local economies if a big, international company has access to the market?
Alan Kasujja speaks to Temidayo Oniosun; a Nigerian space scientist, and Juliet Nanfuka, a digital rights activist and member of the African Digital Rights Network.
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By BBC World Service
4.8
170170 ratings
The number of African countries now allowing Elon Musk’s company Starlink to provide internet services has been growing rapidly - six have granted permission in 2025 alone. And there are reports that Uganda might be next.
Starlink can be cheaper than some traditional internet providers and has been seen as a way to provide internet access to communities that are hard to reach.
But does it come at a cost to governments who might have less control over internet access? And what does it mean for local economies if a big, international company has access to the market?
Alan Kasujja speaks to Temidayo Oniosun; a Nigerian space scientist, and Juliet Nanfuka, a digital rights activist and member of the African Digital Rights Network.
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