Starlink expands in Africa, crucial for Ukraine's defense

Starlink, the satellite internet service by SpaceX, is crucial for Ukraine during the ongoing war. Experts say no other satellite internet can replace it at this time. Elon Musk has promised not to disable Starlink's service in Ukraine. In Africa, Starlink has faced regulatory challenges. South Africa's strict laws have made it difficult for the company to gain an operating license there. Despite these challenges, Starlink launched its service in 18 African countries as of March 2025 and plans to expand further. Many governments are cautious about Starlink. They are concerned that the service could be used by unauthorized groups, like militias or drug smugglers. Some countries, like Chad, have granted Starlink a license, while others, such as Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, are less welcoming. Starlink is also aiming to launch in countries like Jordan, Papua New Guinea, Suriname, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Notably, the new government in Bangladesh has spoken against internet shutdowns. Currently, Starlink is waiting for regulatory approval in countries including Saudi Arabia, India, and Turkey. However, it has no plans to launch in China or other tightly controlled nations like Russia, Iran, and North Korea.