Starlink Launches Satellite Internet Services in Central African Republic

U.S. satellite internet provider Starlink has launched commercial services in the Central African Republic, continuing its expansion across the continent. The company first entered Africa through Nigeria in January 2023 and has since rolled out services in roughly 30 countries, including Rwanda, Senegal, Benin, Ghana, Niger, Chad and Kenya.

Starlink confirmed on March 16, 2026 that its service is now active in the Central African Republic. Authorities see the rollout as a way to improve internet quality and extend coverage beyond major urban centres into remote areas. The launch follows a partnership with local IT distributor DEVEA Centrafrique, according to the Ministry of Digital Economy, Posts and Telecommunications.

Access comes at a cost that may limit uptake. The monthly subscription is set at CFA33,000 ($57.76), excluding a 19% value-added tax. Users must also purchase equipment upfront, with the standard kit priced at CFA240,000 ($420.5) and a smaller “Mini” version at CFA123,000.

Expanding Connectivity in a Low Coverage Market

The rollout comes at a time when internet access remains limited. Around 86% of the population was offline in 2024, based on data from the International Telecommunication Union. Authorities expect satellite connectivity to help close that gap, particularly in areas where traditional infrastructure is difficult to deploy.

Starlink operates a network of roughly 10,000 low-Earth orbit satellites, allowing it to provide coverage in regions where fibre or mobile networks are not viable. Industry data shows that such non-terrestrial solutions are becoming increasingly relevant in Sub-Saharan Africa, where terrain and infrastructure constraints make network expansion costly.

Coverage in the Central African Republic remains limited. Second-generation networks reach just under 60% of the population, while third-generation coverage is only slightly higher. Fourth- and fifth-generation networks are not yet available. Network performance also remains low, with average mobile download speeds around 5.4 Mbps and upload speeds near 7 Mbps.

Cost and Access Remain Key Constraints

While coverage may improve, affordability remains a major barrier. The monthly subscription cost alone exceeds average income levels. Based on a gross national income per capita of $510 in 2024, the service represents more than the typical monthly earnings of many households.

This places it far above the affordability benchmark set by the International Telecommunication Union. Even existing internet services already consume a large share of income, with mobile data and fixed broadband costs remaining high relative to earnings.

Access to devices presents another challenge. Smartphones, tablets and computers remain out of reach for many users. Estimates suggest that the cost of a smartphone can account for a significant share of monthly income in the region. Digital literacy, security concerns and limited locally relevant content also affect adoption.

Infrastructure can improve quickly, but usage tends to move at a slower pace. In the Central African Republic, Starlink expands what is technically possible for connectivity, but turning that reach into everyday access will depend less on coverage and more on how affordable and usable the service becomes for the people it is meant to serve.