Mixed reactions over Starlink license

RETHABILE MOHONO

MASERU – Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) has granted the country’s first satellite internet license to Starlink, sparking a mix of excitement and suspicion among the public.

Many speculate that the move to welcome Starlink – a company owned by US tech billionaire Elon Musk may be linked to recent tensions between Lesotho and the United States.

Just weeks ago, the Trump administration imposed a 50 percent tariff on imports from Lesotho, accusing the country of maintaining a 99 percent duty on American goods. The tariffs have since been temporarily paused for 90 days, but a baseline 10 percent levy remains in place.

Trade Minister Mokhethi Shelile has since dismissed the US claims as “baseless,” but public discourse has shifted to the Starlink licence, with some viewing it as a strategic olive branch to Washington.

The LCA officially confirmed it has granted Starlink a 10-year operating license, allowing the satellite company to provide internet services to both individuals and businesses across the country. The authority said this marks a major milestone in improving Lesotho’s digital infrastructure and bridging connectivity gaps, especially in rural and underserved areas.

“Starlink’s license aligns with our strategic objective of modernising Lesotho’s digital landscape and promoting inclusive technological growth,” the LCA stated.

Starlink first applied for the license in April 2024.

The application went through a rigorous review process, including two rounds of public consultations – the most recent concluded in March 2025. The LCA said it carefully considered all feedback before issuing its final decision.

Unlike local service providers such as Vodacom Lesotho (VCL) and Econet Telecom Lesotho, Starlink delivers internet via satellites orbiting the Earth.

These satellites send signals directly to a dish installed at a user’s home, enabling fast internet access in even the most remote locations.

Starlink’s services include residential internet, mobile roaming, commercial packages, maritime connectivity, and its latest “Direct to Cell” feature.

The latter enables regular smartphones to connect directly to satellites without special apps or hardware, though this feature is currently only available in the United States and New Zealand.

In response to the license approval, VCL, Lesotho’s largest mobile network operator, submitted a strong appeal to the LCA, calling for Starlink to establish local shareholding -despite the current legal framework not mandating it.

“Local involvement may foster partnerships with domestic businesses, create investment opportunities and ensure broader economic inclusion,” said VCL Managing Director Mohale Ralebitso in comments submitted to the regulator on March 20.

Ralebitso argued that Starlink, like terrestrial providers, should contribute to the local economy through job creation, taxes, and dividends.

He also suggested that if Starlink intends to operate independently, it should obtain a unified license and adhere to existing local obligations.

VCL, which began operations in 1996 with government involvement, is partly owned by Basotho through the Sekha-Metsi Consortium, which holds 20 percent of the company’s shares. The remaining majority belongs to Vodacom Group, which is majority-owned by Vodafone.

In neighboring eSwatini, Starlink services were recently introduced at a reduced price of R6,800 for the Gen 2 kit -down from R12,000. The standard monthly subscription is R950, with additional roaming fees of R1,250 for African use and R3,800 globally.

While Starlink does not offer traditional SIM cards like Vodacom or Econet, its satellite-powered connectivity is expected to bring high-speed internet to even the most isolated corners of Lesotho.