Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, was officially launched in Lesotho to revolutionize Internet connectivity in the country.
The launch comes after the Internet service provider obtained a 10 -year operating license by the country’s communications regulator on April 14, 2025.
This rapid deployment less than two months after approval, indicates the urgent thrust of Lesotho to improve digital connectivity on its mountainous land.
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Lesotho, a small country without coastline in southern Africa, faces important obstacles in making general internet connectivity due to its mountainous land, limited infrastructure and socio-economic constraints. In 2025, the internet penetration is only 47%, which leaves more than half of the population offline.
Internet access to Lesotho has always been limited by geographic and economic obstacles. The country is mainly based on traditional telecommunications suppliers such as Vodacom Lesotho and Econet Telecom, which offer 4G, 3 g and limited services. However, the coverage is uneven, the urban areas like Maser having better access while the distant and mountainous regions often lack reliable service. The large fixed band infrastructure, such as fibers, is minimal, and most users depend on mobile data, which can be slow and expensive.
The launch of Starlink in the country marks a significant change. The satellite internet constellation belonging to Elon Musk of more than 7,600 Low Orbity satellites (Leo) offers a promising solution, offering median download speeds from 70 to 100 Mbps significantly higher than many local FAIs.
The deployment will cover both urban poles and distant areas, where traditional 4G coverage remains sparse. Starlink satellite technology is well suited to solve Lesotho Internet problems by providing high speed and reliable connectivity to rural and urban areas, supporting economic growth and digital inclusion. Affordable community access and the potential for creating jobs improve its impact, but the fight against obstacles to costs and local concerns of equity will be essential to maximize advantages.
Affairs is undoubtedly a key concern to Lesotho, where almost 27% of the population lives in poverty. Similar challenges have been observed in Guinea-Bissau, where despite large offline populations, the cost of Starlink restricts access. However, the economic and social impact potential remains important.
Local telecommunications operators in Lesotho such as Vodacom Lesotho and Econet Telecom are now faced with a new competition. Although these companies have not yet responded publicly, regional trends suggest that traditional ISPs closely monitor the rapid adoption of the Internet by satellite. In Kenya, for example, the market leader Safaricom raised regulatory concerns in 2024, warning that satellite suppliers posed potential risks for the national quality and security of the network.
Starlink’s expansion in Lesotho arrives after earlier this month, he launched his low latency internet service in Guinea-Bissau, making Africa ‘digital connectivity advance. The launch follows a provisional license granted in December 2024 and the complete approval of the National Regulatory Authority for Information and Communication Technologies (RNA-TOT) in April 2025.
Starlink has been developing in African countries since its debut in Nigeria in January 2023, aimed at improving the digital connectivity of the continent, where internet penetration is only about 40% compared to a global average of 66%.
Its rapid growth is obvious in markets like Nigeria, where it has reached more than 8,300 subscribers by mid-201. Although rented for an increase in access, criticism argues that the cost of Starlink remains an obstacle. The price of Lesotho has not yet been confirmed, but it should be in the African average of $ 28 to $ 50 per month, with equipment between $ 178 and $ 381.
For Lesotho, improving connectivity could unlock new opportunities for education, health care, agriculture and entrepreneurship, which leads to broader socioeconomic growth. While the Lesotho enters the satellite internet era, the country faces a pivotal moment – the one that could redefine digital inclusion and reshape its economic landscape.
