Uganda might let Elon Musk's satellites compete with its underground internet cables. President Yoweri Museveni stated he is in talks with Musk about Starlink, studying whether the satellite service could provide cheaper digital connectivity than the existing national fiber optic backbone. This comes just before general elections, a period often marked by internet disruptions, which prompted some citizens to illegally import Starlink kits until authorities blocked them and the company cut off service.
Museveni explained that the country previously relied on expensive satellite communication, leading to his push for the underground cable network linked to undersea lines from Mombasa and Dar es Salaam that lowered costs. He emphasized that the government rejected past attempts by telecom companies to monopolize the market, prioritizing an open and competitive landscape for consumers.
The Uganda Communications Commission and Uganda Revenue Authority had already intervened to stop unauthorized Starlink use, requiring military clearance for imports after the equipment entered the country. The government's evaluation will now focus on cost comparisons, regulatory compliance, and how the satellite technology would fit with current infrastructure, amid public demand for affordable, reliable internet.
Museveni explained that the country previously relied on expensive satellite communication, leading to his push for the underground cable network linked to undersea lines from Mombasa and Dar es Salaam that lowered costs. He emphasized that the government rejected past attempts by telecom companies to monopolize the market, prioritizing an open and competitive landscape for consumers.
The Uganda Communications Commission and Uganda Revenue Authority had already intervened to stop unauthorized Starlink use, requiring military clearance for imports after the equipment entered the country. The government's evaluation will now focus on cost comparisons, regulatory compliance, and how the satellite technology would fit with current infrastructure, amid public demand for affordable, reliable internet.
