Managing Director of National Communication Authority Napoleon Adok Gai and Starlink representatives pose in a photo after reaching the deal. |Credit: NCA|.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX satellite, ‘Starlink’ legalized its status in South Sudan after nearly two years of negotiations with authorities.
In January this year, the National Communication Authority in South Sudan issued a statement restricting the importation of devices, sales, and activities of Starlink broadband internet equipment within the territories of South Sudan.
On Wednesday 26 June, Ryan D. Goodnight, Sr. Director, Global Licensing & Market Activation at SpaceX, and Benjamin Mac Williams, Director, Starlink Global Licensing & Activation in South Sudan, inked the deal with South Sudan’s authorities in Juba.
Starlink representatives and South Sudan’s authorities discussed a wide range of issues regarding licensing Starlink service in South Sudan.
“After a two-year negotiation, we are thrilled to announce the signing of a Satellite Landing Rights License and a Provisional Service License for Starlink services in South Sudan. These agreements aim to provide affordable and accessible broadband connectivity, especially to remote areas, promoting rural connectivity,” South Sudan’s National Communication Authority stated in a statement extended to Golden Times.
Starlink South Sudan, however, is expected to publish details of its products and their associated prices as well as their distribution agent that will be responsible for the distribution of terminals.
The National Communication Authority vowed to slap penalties on smuggling unlicensed terminals into the country.
