The National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT) in Morocco is preparing to issue licenses to Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, and OneWeb to provide satellite internet services, beginning in 2025. This initiative aims to enhance coverage and deliver high-speed internet to remote areas that suffer from poor traditional telecommunications infrastructure.
Satellite internet technology presents an innovative solution to extend coverage and improve connection quality in regions where it is challenging to deploy ground-based networks. Starlink offers internet speeds ranging from 100 to 500 Mbps, with latency between 20 and 40 milliseconds, making it an ideal option for applications such as online gaming and video conferencing, where fast response times and high-quality connections are crucial.
The Starlink satellites also provide extensive coverage, including mountainous and desert regions, making it an excellent solution for areas that terrestrial telecommunications companies find difficult to reach. This development is expected to significantly enhance communication services across Morocco, especially in regions with limited or no internet access.
Despite its clear advantages, the technology faces some challenges. High costs for equipment and monthly subscriptions are significant barriers to widespread adoption. Additionally, the system requires the deployment of thousands of satellites to ensure global coverage. Other issues include potential frequency congestion in densely populated areas and concerns about interference with other satellites, as well as its impact on astronomy.