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AstaanConnect becomes Somalia’s first official Starlink reseller

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Wednesday September 24, 2025

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali media and technology firm Astaan, through its connectivity arm AstaanConnect, has become the country’s first official reseller of Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, in a move expected to expand high-speed connectivity to underserved regions.
The announcement comes weeks after Starlink launched nationwide in August, following regulatory approval from the National Communications Authority. The service delivers internet through thousands of low-Earth orbit satellites, bypassing the need for fiber cables and mobile towers that remain unreliable or absent in many parts of Somalia.

Astaan, best known for its television network and digital platforms, said the agreement would make subscriptions more accessible by providing local sales and technical support. AstaanConnect said it will make Starlink subscriptions more accessible by offering local sales, installation, and 24/7 technical support. The company said it aims to serve households, businesses, schools, humanitarian organizations, and government offices.
“This milestone reflects Astaan’s commitment to advancing Somalia’s digital transformation,” the company said in a statement. “Starlink’s technology will help bridge connectivity gaps and create opportunities in education, business, and innovation.”
Customers can choose from three kits: a Standard Kit for homes and small offices, a Performance Kit for high-demand sites, and a Mini Kit designed for mobile or field use. Subscription plans begin at $36.9 per month for residential users, while global mobile packages start at $309 per month. Hardware options include satellite dishes, routers, and portable systems, with payments accepted in U.S. dollars or Somali shillings via EVC Plus, eDahab, bank transfers, or cash.
Somalia’s internet market has grown rapidly through private mobile operators such as Hormuud Telecom and Somtel. But access remains uneven, with rural and conflict-affected regions lacking reliable signals. Starlink’s system offers speeds between 100 and 200 Mbps with latency as low as 20 milliseconds, requiring only a small dish and a clear view of the sky. However, with internet penetration under 10 percent, analysts say most households may find it unaffordable, leaving NGOs, government offices, and diaspora-supported families as the main users.
Government officials say the launch supports national digital reforms, including the ICT Policy and Strategy (2019–2024) and the rollout of a national ID system. Communications Minister Mohamed Adan Moalim described the rollout as “a milestone” that could expand opportunities in education, healthcare, and commerce.
Somalia is Starlink’s 25th African market, joining Liberia, Niger, and Chad. South Africa has blocked the service due to ownership rules.

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