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Somali media and technology company Astaan has taken a major step in expanding internet access across the country. Through its connectivity branch, AstaanConnect, the company has become Somalia’s first official reseller of Starlink, the satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. This move is expected to bring high-speed internet to areas that have long struggled with limited or unreliable connectivity.
The announcement follows Starlink’s nationwide launch in August after receiving approval from Somalia’s National Communications Authority. Unlike traditional internet services that depend on fiber cables and mobile towers—which are often unavailable in rural or conflict-affected areas—Starlink provides internet through thousands of low-Earth orbit satellites. All that is required is a small satellite dish and a clear view of the sky.
Astaan, widely known for its television channel and digital media platforms, said this partnership will make Starlink easier for Somali customers to access. AstaanConnect will offer local sales, installation services, and round-the-clock technical support. The company said its goal is to provide reliable internet not only to households and businesses but also to schools, humanitarian organizations, and government offices.
In a statement, Astaan said the development reflects its commitment to helping Somalia embrace digital transformation. The company emphasized that access to Starlink could create new opportunities in education, business, and innovation by connecting regions that have been left behind by traditional providers.
Customers in Somalia will be able to choose between three equipment options. The Standard Kit is designed for homes and small offices, the Performance Kit is built for high-demand use, and the Mini Kit is made for mobile or field setups. Subscription fees start at $36.9 per month for residential users, while global mobile packages—which allow internet access across multiple countries—cost $309 per month. The hardware includes satellite dishes, routers, and portable systems, and payments can be made in U.S. dollars or Somali shillings through mobile money platforms like EVC Plus and eDahab, as well as by bank transfer or cash.
Starlink promises download speeds between 100 and 200 Mbps with latency as low as 20 milliseconds, making it a major upgrade compared to what many Somalis are currently used to. However, with national internet penetration still under 10 percent, affordability remains a key concern. Analysts suggest that while many ordinary households may find the service costly, organizations, government institutions, and families supported by relatives in the diaspora are likely to be among the first adopters.
For Somalia, this development ties into broader national goals. The government has been working to advance digital reforms under its ICT Policy and Strategy (2019–2024), which includes rolling out a national identification system. Communications Minister Mohamed Adan Moalim welcomed the Starlink rollout, describing it as an important milestone that can improve opportunities in sectors like education, healthcare, and commerce.
Somalia now joins 24 other African countries where Starlink is available, including Liberia, Niger, and Chad. While some countries, such as South Africa, have blocked the service over ownership rules, Somalia has embraced the technology as a way to bridge its connectivity gap and link communities that have long been left offline.
With AstaanConnect acting as the local face of Starlink, Somali users now have access not only to high-speed internet but also to customer support in their own market. The partnership could mark a turning point for how Somalis connect, learn, and do business in the digital age.