Is Starlink Really a Threat to MTN and Orange in Cameroon? Since the beginning of 2024, a heated debate has been brewing in Cameroon’s tech ...

Is Starlink Really a Threat to MTN and Orange in Cameroon?

Since the beginning of 2024, a heated debate has been brewing in Cameroon’s tech space. 

Technology bloggers and internet enthusiasts have been pushing a narrative: that big network operators like MTN Cameroon and Orange Cameroon are quietly resisting the approval of Starlink—Elon Musk’s super-fast satellite internet service.

Some claim the operators are resisting to prevent a rising giant from capturing the lion’s share of Cameroon’s internet market.

This theory gained traction in April 2024 after many Starlink users in Cameroon experienced a sudden blackout. Soon after, reports emerged that Cameroon customs began confiscating imported Starlink kits, citing the fact that Starlink has no operating license in the country.

While there’s no concrete evidence linking MTN or Orange to any anti-Starlink campaign, many Cameroonians remain convinced. 

And truth be told, the reasoning isn’t entirely far-fetched—because if Starlink gets the green light to operate in Cameroon, the impact on the existing internet market could be massive.

Let’s explore why many believe Starlink could completely shake up, if not dominate, the internet business in Cameroon.

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1. Blazing Fast Internet Speeds

Starlink’s satellite internet speed is up to 20 times faster than what MTN and Orange currently offer.

To put it in perspective:

• Imagine downloading a 90 GB file in just 5 minutes.

• With speeds averaging 150 Mbps, Starlink makes high-definition streaming, online gaming, and heavy data usage effortless and lag-free.

For internet entrepreneurs, content creators, and remote workers, this is a game-changer.

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2. Unlimited Data with No Throttling

Unlike the capped internet bundles from MTN and Orange, Starlink’s residential plan offers truly unlimited data—and at maximum speed.

This means no more worrying about running out of data in the middle of a project, or dealing with throttled speeds after heavy use.

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3. Potentially More Affordable

Price comparisons with neighboring countries give hope.

In Chad, which recently approved Starlink, users pay about 30,000 FCFA per month for unlimited high-speed internet. If Cameroon adopts similar pricing, it could be significantly cheaper than what heavy data users currently pay for less speed and capped bundles.

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4. Reliability Beyond Fiber Optic Failures

One of the biggest frustrations with MTN and Orange is network downtime due to fiber optic issues.

Starlink’s satellite technology bypasses this problem entirely, delivering a stable and consistent connection regardless of local infrastructure problems.

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5. Nationwide Coverage – Even in Remote Villages

Starlink’s coverage is not bound by cell towers or fiber lines.

From bustling cities like Douala and Yaoundé to the most isolated rural villages, Starlink promises the same high-quality internet. For digital nomads or rural entrepreneurs, devices like the Starlink Mini make it possible to work anywhere—even off the grid.

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6. Support for Up to 150 Wi-Fi Connections

Starlink devices can handle up to 150 connected devices at once.

This opens up opportunities for:

• Running community Wi-Fi hotspots

• Monetizing internet access in underserved areas

• Supporting large households or small businesses without speed drops

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Why This Worries Existing Network Operators

If Starlink gets licensed in Cameroon, it’s easy to see why MTN and Orange might feel threatened:

• Faster speeds

• Unlimited data

• Wider coverage

• Potentially lower prices

For many Cameroonians, the decision is a no-brainer: Who wouldn’t want better internet for less money? “Who no like better thing?”

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✅ Final Thoughts

While the allegations of sabotage remain unproven, the conversation highlights an important truth: Cameroon’s internet users are hungry for better, faster, and more affordable internet. Whether that comes from Starlink or improved local infrastructure, one thing is clear—the demand for change is real.