Starlink launches high-speed internet in rural Côte d’Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire has officially welcomed Starlink, the high-speed satellite internet service from SpaceX. As of July 16, 2026, the service is commercially available following the issuance of a 12-month provisional license by the Autorité de Régulation des Télécommunications/TIC (ARTCI) to Starlink Network CIV. Customers can now order their terminals directly through starlink.com/cotedivoire.

Announced by Djibril Ouattara, Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, on June 11, 2026, the license enables fixed satellite internet access nationwide using Ka and V frequency bands.

Bridging the digital divide

The government’s priority is to bring reliable internet to rural areas, schools, and isolated health centers, where traditional wired and mobile networks fall short or are entirely absent. This move is part of a broader strategy to shrink the country’s digital gap, particularly in regions that have long been underserved.

The ARTCI’s decision in September 2025 to grant the provisional license allows regulators to assess service quality and compliance with local commitments before considering long-term authorization. This phased approach ensures that Starlink meets expectations while protecting the interests of local telecom operators.

Côte d’Ivoire joins Africa’s satellite internet revolution

With this launch, Côte d’Ivoire becomes the 27th African nation to adopt Starlink’s satellite constellation. The expansion aligns with a continent-wide surge in satellite internet adoption since 2023, following successful rollouts in Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, and Mozambique.

Starlink’s low-orbit satellite network promises high-speed connectivity with minimal latency, addressing the challenge of costly terrestrial infrastructure in remote areas. For a country like Côte d’Ivoire—home to 33.5 million people across 322,000 km²—the service could transform connectivity in less urbanized northern regions.

Modernizing Côte d’Ivoire’s telecom landscape

The arrival of Starlink coincides with the simultaneous rollout of 5G in Côte d’Ivoire, reflecting the government’s push to modernize telecom infrastructure rapidly. While mobile operators already serve much of the country, rural zones remain critically under-connected, with fixed internet penetration remaining low.

Established in 2012, the ARTCI regulates the telecom sector, ensuring fair competition and oversight. The provisional license for Starlink underscores the regulator’s cautious yet forward-looking approach to integrating global tech giants into a still-developing market.

Regulatory oversight and future prospects

The 12-month pilot period will evaluate Starlink’s performance, compliance, and impact on the local market. Minister Ouattara has emphasized that license renewal will depend on tangible results, particularly in rural coverage and affordability for target populations.

This measured strategy mirrors practices in other African countries, where regulators often mandate pilot phases before full-scale deployment. The stakes are high: ensuring service reliability while safeguarding local operators from uneven competition. The coming months will reveal whether Starlink can deliver on its promises and secure a permanent foothold in Côte d’Ivoire’s telecom sector.