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Starlink, the satellite internet service from SpaceX, has officially launched operations in Guinea-Bissau, marking its seventh expansion in West Africa and furthering its mission to connect underserved rural and remote areas across the continent.
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This latest launch follows the approval from Guinea-Bissau’s National Regulatory Authority for Information and Communication Technologies (ARN-TIC), which granted Starlink a provisional license in December 2024 and final approval in April 2025. The launch is a major milestone in broadening internet access and aligns with ARN-TIC’s efforts to improve digital inclusion across the country.
Starlink’s service is expected to significantly improve connectivity in Guinea-Bissau, a country where only 32.5% of the population had internet access as of January 2025. According to DataReportal, there were 723,000 internet users in the country out of a population of 2.23 million, with a modest increase of 48,000 users recorded between January 2024 and January 2025.
“This deployment not only enhances Guinea-Bissau’s digital infrastructure but also empowers more citizens with access to high-speed, reliable internet—essential for education, business, and government services,” said a representative from ARN-TIC.
Rapid Starlink Expansion Across Africa
Starlink’s entry into Africa began with Nigeria in January 2023, and the company has since expanded into at least 19 African countries, including Kenya, Rwanda, and Mozambique. Despite facing regulatory challenges in some African markets, Starlink continues to accelerate its rollout, particularly targeting rural communities where traditional broadband infrastructure is lacking or nonexistent.
By utilizing low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology, Starlink offers high-speed, low-latency internet, making it a compelling solution for regions with limited terrestrial connectivity options.
Starlink Pricing in Guinea-Bissau
Residents of Guinea-Bissau can now order Starlink devices and services directly from the official Starlink website. Pricing is as follows:
- Standard Starlink Kit: XOF 228,000 (approx. USD $400)
- Monthly Subscription: XOF 36,000 (approx. USD $63)
- Starlink Mini Kit: XOF 117,000 (approx. USD $206)
These offerings aim to make premium satellite internet more accessible for consumers and businesses alike, supporting greater participation in the digital economy.
Driving Digital Transformation in West Africa
With this latest deployment, Starlink continues its vision of bridging the digital divide by providing affordable satellite internet across hard-to-reach regions. For Guinea-Bissau—a country with some of the lowest connectivity rates in West Africa—this move marks a turning point in the drive toward nationwide digital inclusion.
