Page 87 - SAMENA Trends - May-June 2023

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Starlink Arrives in Mozambique

The SpaceX satellite broadband service Starlink has been
launched in Mozambique. The kit costs MZN40,492 (USD628)
with a monthly subscription priced at MZN3,000, according to a
report from My Broadband. Starlink notes that Mozambique does
not yet have a ground station for internet fallback and is currently
relying solely on inter-satellite links, which could result in periods
of intermittent service and high latency. Starlink confirmed that
it had been awarded an operating license in Mozambique in May
2022. Other Southern African countries due to see a Starlink launch
include Botswana (Q3 2023) and Eswatini, Namibia and Zimbabwe
(Q4 2023).

Star Network Cancels Launch After Regulatory Intervention

Trinidadian newcomer Star Network (Blue Mobile Network) only for the launch event to be scrapped at the last minute. The
was forced to cancel its launch event on 9 June after the watchdog informed the media: ‘There is no new mobile network
Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT) in the country. [A] potential operator wishing to operate a public
warned the public that the company has not actually been telecommunications network, must apply for, be approved, and
granted a concession to operate a mobile network. As per local be granted a concession to operate a network. No application
press reports, the enigmatic start-up lured hundreds of would-be has been made nor a concession granted to any potential ‘new’
subscribers to Invaders Bay Tower in Mucurapo, Port of Spain with operator that was scheduled to launch.’
the false promise of TTD1 (USD0.14) smartphones and laptops,

Starlink Secures License to Operate in Zambia

Starlink has secured a license to provide services in Zambia the country, the Ministry of Technology and Science (MOTS) has
after conducting successful pilot projects in locations across announced. Previously, in March 2023 Felix Mutati, Zambia’s
Minister of Science and Technology, had revealed that Starlink
connectivity had proved to be effective in nine Zambian provinces
during testing, and said at the time that the next step was to finalize
the company’s operating license. With that concession having now
been awarded, Percy Chinyama, National Coordinator at SMART
Zambia Institute – a division under the Office of the President –
was cited as saying that Starlink’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite
services are expected to extend broadband connectivity to
disadvantaged users in remote parts of the country.

Viasat, Inmarsat Deal Clears Final Hurdle

The European Commission (EC) unconditionally approved a $7.3 services on commercial airlines in the European Economic Area.
billion acquisition of satellite operator Inmarsat by US rival Viasat, The EC noted “a number of sizeable competitors would likely
paving the way for the deal to close by the end of the month. In exert sufficient competitive pressure on the merged entity” and
a statement, the EC explained it had no competition concerns its “market position would remain moderate”. EC clearance was
regarding the acquisition, following an in-depth probe commenced the final hurdle to the acquisition: the US Federal Communications
in February. Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager noted Commission gave its approval last week and UK authorities earlier
the investigation found the deal would not negatively impact this month.
the competitive landscape for in-flight broadband connectivity

87 MAY-JUNE 2023