South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
The National Communication Authority (NCA) has approved the licensing of Starlink owned by U.S based billionaire Elon Musk to operate in the country after two years of negotiation with authorities.
The deal was inked during a meeting held in Juba on Wednesday between Ryan D. Goodnight, Sr. Director, Global Licensing & Market Activation at SpaceX, and Benjamin Mac Williams, Director, Starlink Global Licensing & Activation in South Sudan.
Starlink representatives and the country’s authorities discussed a wide range of issues regarding licensing Starlink service in South Sudan.
“After a two-year negotiation, we are thrilled to announce the signing of a Satellite Landing Rights License and a Provisional Service License for Starlink services in South Sudan,” NCA said in a statement posted on its Facebook.
The deal aimed to provide affordable and accessible broadband connectivity, especially to remote areas, promoting rural connectivity.
NCA said it will slap penalties on smuggling unlicensed terminals in the country.
“This week Starlink South Sudan is expected to publish details of its products and their associated prices as well as their distribution agent that will be responsible for the distribution of terminals,” it said.
In January this year, the National Communication Authority issued a statement restricting the importation of devices, sales, and activities of Starlink broadband internet equipment within the territories of South Sudan.
The regulator considers this illegal since it has neither issued a license for the company’s activities nor approved its equipment.
It warned the violators will face sanctions, including fines, confiscation of equipment and prosecution in court of law.
