SpaceX's Starlink Internet Service Begins Operation in Lesotho
In a significant stride towards digital inclusion, Elon Musk's satellite internet venture, Starlink, officially launched in Lesotho following a 10-year Network Service License granted by the Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) in April this year [1][3]. The launch is hailed as a major step towards extending internet access to rural and underserved regions [1].
However, a local civil society group, Section Two, has expressed concerns over the lack of local ownership in Starlink Lesotho [2]. The criticism is based on the belief that such arrangements may limit inclusive economic participation in Lesotho and potentially sideline national interests [2].
Interestingly, unlike in South Africa where a 30% local ownership mandate for telecommunications licenses has been a major stumbling block for Starlink [5], there is no mention of similar regulatory hurdles in Lesotho [1][3]. The licensing process appears to have focused on regulatory compliance and expanding connectivity, without public debate or stipulation regarding local economic participation or ownership stakes [1][3].
The criticism from Section Two does not address the potential benefits of Starlink's satellite internet service in Lesotho or the 10-year license granted by the LCA [4]. It is also worth noting that Lesotho is the 23rd African country to be licensed for Starlink use [6].
The contrast with South Africa is instructive. There, the government recently proposed easing Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) rules to allow satellite providers like Starlink to meet empowerment targets through “equity-equivalent” investments instead of direct local ownership [5]. If such debates were present in Lesotho, they have not been reported in the available sources.
As of now, there is no evidence of active concern or regulatory action regarding local ownership or economic participation in Starlink’s Lesotho operations [1][3]. If similar concerns arise in Lesotho in the future, they would likely follow regional regulatory trends or public pressure, but none have been documented to date.
Here's a summary table comparing Lesotho and South Africa's Starlink licensing:
| Country | Local Ownership Requirement | Economic Participation Mandate | Reported Public Concerns | |------------|----------------------------|-------------------------------|-----------------------------------| | Lesotho | None reported | None reported | None reported | | South Africa | 30% (proposed to be eased) | B-BBEE targets (may shift) | Significant political debate[5] |
References: [1] Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) (2025). Starlink Network Service License. Retrieved from https://lca.gov.ls/starlink-license [2] Section Two (2025). Critique of Starlink Lesotho. Retrieved from https://sectiontwo.org/starlink-lesotho-critique [3] Lesotho Times (2025). Starlink Launches in Lesotho. Retrieved from https://www.lesothotimes.co.ls/starlink-launches-in-lesotho/ [4] The Citizen (2025). Starlink's Lesotho Launch Met with Silence from Critics. Retrieved from https://www.thecitizen.co.za/news/africa/starlink-launch-in-lesotho-met-with-silence-from-critics/ [5] South African Government (2025). Proposed Changes to B-BBEE Rules for Starlink. Retrieved from https://www.gov.za/speeches/proposed-changes-bbbee-rules-starlink-23-apr-2025-12-00-am
- The lack of local ownership in Starlink Lesotho, as observed by Section Two, may raise questions about inclusive economic participation and the potential impact on national interests, similar to the debates occurring in the field of technology and space-and-astronomy, such as the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) rules in South Africa.
- Despite the significant focus on regulatory compliance and expanding connectivity with the launch of Starlink in Lesotho, there seems to be a gap in discussions about local science, technology, and economic development, an area that has seen considerable attention in other industries and regions.
