Starlink Cameroon: Is Elon Musk’s Satellite Internet Service Returning? One year after the suspension of its operations in Cameroon, the...

Starlink Cameroon: Is Elon Musk’s Satellite Internet Service Returning?

One year after the suspension of its operations in Cameroon, the satellite internet operator Starlink has resumed dialogue with Cameroonian authorities. These developments could reshape the country’s connectivity landscape if regulatory, fiscal, and data-sovereignty concerns are resolved.

What is Starlink and Why is it Relevant to Cameroon?

Starlink is a satellite internet service developed by SpaceX to provide broadband connectivity via a constellation of low-Earth-orbit satellites. Unlike terrestrial networks that depend on fiber or mobile infrastructure, Starlink can deliver internet access to remote and underserved locations.

For Cameroon — currently placed near the bottom of global rankings for fixed internet speed — satellite internet represents an attractive option to address frequent fiber cuts, slow connections, and intermittent outages that affect both households and businesses.

Why Was Starlink Suspended?

In April 2024, the Cameroonian government suspended Starlink’s activities for two primary reasons:

• Lack of a formal operating license.
• Non-compliance with applicable national telecommunications regulations.

Customs authorities also seized Starlink equipment that had been imported without proper authorization, effectively halting the service.

Recent Negotiations and Regulatory Process

On 26 June 2025, the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, Minette Libom Li Likeng, received an official Starlink delegation to discuss terms for a regulated and legal return with the objective of nationwide coverage.

An application has been submitted to the national regulatory authority, the Agence de Régulation des Télécommunications (ART), and remains under review. Government officials have emphasized the need to establish a clear regulatory and fiscal framework to protect competition and local operators.

Regional Context: Starlink’s Expansion Across Africa

While Cameroon evaluates the proposal, Starlink is advancing in other African markets. Notable developments in 2025 include:

• Chad — service authorized in March 2025.
• Democratic Republic of Congo — authorization in May 2025.
• Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire — expected approvals by the end of 2025.

Starlink is presently active in approximately twenty African countries, positioning the service as a significant contender in the continent’s connectivity ecosystem.

Challenges to Resolve Before a Full Launch

Several critical issues must be addressed for Starlink to operate legally and effectively in Cameroon:

• Political will: Clear executive support is essential for timely regulatory decisions.
• Regulatory framework: Rules that define licensing, service obligations, and interconnection must be set.
• Taxation policies: Fiscal terms should be agreed to ensure fair contribution without stifling competition.
• Data sovereignty: Measures must be in place to safeguard user data and national interests.

Implications for Cameroon’s Internet Market

If approved, Starlink could provide a robust alternative to incumbent providers such as Orange, MTN, and Nexttel. Improved satellite-based connectivity could benefit remote communities, support business continuity, and reduce dependence on vulnerable terrestrial infrastructure.

Nevertheless, the final outcome will depend on the ability of regulators and policymakers to reconcile commercial, technical, and sovereignty concerns while maintaining a level playing field for local operators.

Conclusion: Starlink’s potential return to Cameroon presents both opportunity and complexity. A regulatory agreement that balances market access, fair taxation, and data protection could materially improve national connectivity. Until ART completes its review and authorities conclude negotiations, the future of satellite internet in Cameroon remains undecided.