If you happened to log onto X (formerly known as Twitter) this afternoon, you would have noticed that Starlink was trending in Ghana.
Maybe like me, you got excited, thinking that the satellite-based internet service provider had decided to launch their services in Ghana a year earlier than expected. Sadly, the reason it was trending was because the National Communications Authority (NCA) decided to drop a strange statement, which you can take a look at below:
As you would expect, people took to the replies to absolutely slaughter the NCA for this statement, and it’s not hard to see why.
Everyone is aware that the service isn’t operational in Ghana yet. On Starlink’s website, they state they are planning to commence operations in Ghana in Q3 of 2024. Obviously, they will go through all the necessary regulatory checks before commencing operations.
In the communique they released, they stated that some people had started selling and operating Starlink equipment in Ghana. While that may be possible in some underground settings, officially they haven’t commenced operations in the country.
Regardless of that, this statement is still confusing due to how the service works. Starlink uses satellites to provide internet service so outside the consumer side electronics and the satellites, the government has no direct say in how the technology works.
This is one of the main reasons people were upset by this statement, as evidenced by some of the comments below.
These three users pointed out the fact that this statement was made on X, which is owned by Elon Musk, just like Starlink:
These users pointed out that the reason people are so excited about Starlink is because of the NCA’s questionable actions recently. MTN had to raise their bundle prices twice because of the NCA’s concerns about their market share. People feel the NCA didn’t consider the economic plight of Ghanaians, hence the push back.
And obviously, there is defiance, with this user claiming that whatever the NCA does, he will continue to defy them and use Starlink. We can’t blame him to be honest.
The truth is, that the NCA does have a point. As annoying as it may be that they continue to make internet access more expensive for the everyday Ghanaian, regulations still have to be followed.
Hopefuly, before Starlink officially launches in Ghana next year, we are very sure Elon Musk and his team will do the necessary regulatory work so we can all enjoy Elon Musk’s satellite internet service.