Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet service has officially launched in Côte d’Ivoire, marking a significant step toward closing the digital gap in the country. The service, operated by SpaceX, became commercially available on July 16, 2026, 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 satellite terminals directly through starlink.com/cotedivoire.

This milestone was announced by Djibril Ouattara, Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, on June 11, 2026. The license permits Starlink to provide fixed satellite internet access nationwide, utilizing Ka and V frequency bands to ensure broad coverage, including remote and underserved regions.

Bridging the digital divide in Côte d’Ivoire

The Ivorian government is prioritizing rural communities, schools, and isolated health centers as part of its mission to reduce the digital divide. These areas often suffer from poor or nonexistent traditional fixed and mobile network coverage, making satellite internet a viable solution for connectivity.

The provisional license, valid for 12 months, was granted following a decision by the ARTCI’s regulatory council in September 2025. During this period, regulators will assess the service quality and compliance with local standards before considering a full license extension.

Côte d’Ivoire joins Africa’s growing Starlink network

With this launch, Côte d’Ivoire becomes the 27th African country to adopt Starlink’s satellite constellation, reinforcing the continent’s rapid digital transformation. The expansion began in 2023, with deployments in countries like Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, and Mozambique, reflecting a growing demand for internet access in regions where terrestrial infrastructure is costly to implement.

Starlink’s low-Earth-orbit satellite network delivers high-speed internet with minimal latency, making it an ideal solution for bridging connectivity gaps in rural and remote areas.

Modernizing Côte d’Ivoire’s telecom landscape

The arrival of Starlink coincides with Côte d’Ivoire’s simultaneous rollout of 5G technology, demonstrating the government’s commitment to modernizing telecom infrastructure. While the country already has several mobile operators, rural regions remain largely disconnected, with only 33.5 million people spread across 322,000 km², creating stark urban-rural disparities.

The national internet penetration rate remains low, particularly in the northern rural areas, leaving significant room for satellite-based solutions like Starlink to make an impact. Established in 2012, the ARTCI oversees the telecom sector, ensuring fair competition and regulatory compliance as new global players enter the market.

Regulatory oversight and future prospects

The 12-month provisional license serves a dual purpose: evaluating Starlink’s service quality and its impact on the local market. Minister Djibril Ouattara emphasized that the license’s renewal will depend on performance during this trial period, a strategy mirrored in other African nations where regulators prefer phased evaluations before full-scale deployments.

The coming months will reveal whether Starlink meets its rural coverage commitments and maintains accessible pricing for target communities. The license’s future hinges on these outcomes, with regulators keen to balance innovation with consumer protection and fair competition.

Ismael IA online

Hello! I’m Ismael, the AI assistant behind this article. Have questions, need clarifications, or want to report an error? Or perhaps you have a better photo to suggest? Use the paperclip 📎 icon below—I’ll verify and update the article in real time to ensure accuracy and relevance.