Lesotho Faces Tough Decision on Starlink Internet License
Lesotho is currently in the middle of an important debate about whether to approve Starlink’s operating license. Starlink, the satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, could bring fast internet to the country, but there are serious concerns about foreign ownership and local benefits. The government sees this as a big opportunity to improve internet access and attract foreign investment, while local businesses and activists worry about losing control of their digital future.
Why the Government Supports Starlink
Prime Minister Samuel Matekane’s administration strongly believes that approving Starlink could solve several problems at once. First, it would provide reliable high-speed internet across the country, especially in rural areas where current services are poor or nonexistent. This could help schools, hospitals, and businesses operate more effectively. Second, the government hopes that welcoming a major U.S. company like Starlink might improve relations with America at a time when Lesotho is facing economic pressure from U.S. trade policies.
The timing is crucial because the U.S. recently imposed new tariffs that hurt Lesotho’s important textile industry. By approving Starlink, the government may be trying to show goodwill toward American businesses, possibly leading to better trade terms. Officials argue that modern internet infrastructure is essential for economic growth and that Starlink’s technology could attract other tech companies to invest in Lesotho.
Local Opposition and Concerns
However, many Basotho citizens and business leaders are strongly against approving Starlink without changes. The main objection is that Starlink is completely foreign-owned, with no local participation. Right now, all other telecom companies in Lesotho, like Vodacom and Econet, have significant local ownership – usually between 20-30%. This ensures that some profits stay in the country and that Basotho people have a say in how these important services operate.
Vodacom Lesotho’s managing director has publicly stated that Starlink should follow the same rules as other companies. Activist groups have gone further, calling the current proposal “digital colonialism” because all decisions and profits would go overseas. They worry that without local ownership, Starlink might not focus on serving poor rural communities, instead concentrating only on profitable urban areas. There are also concerns about what happens if there are problems – with no local partners, who would hold Starlink accountable?
The Bigger Picture and What’s Next
This debate isn’t just happening in Lesotho. South Africa recently rejected Starlink for similar reasons, and other African countries are watching carefully. The decision could set an important example for how small nations deal with powerful foreign tech companies. The Lesotho Communications Authority is now reviewing all opinions before making a final decision.
Some experts suggest a compromise might be possible, where Starlink agrees to sell a portion (maybe 30%) to local investors. This would maintain some local control while still bringing in the new technology. Whatever happens, the choice will have long-term effects on Lesotho’s economy, its relationship with powerful countries, and how its people access information in the digital age. The government must balance the need for modern technology with protecting national interests – a challenge facing many developing countries today.
The world is watching to see whether Lesotho will embrace this global internet service as-is, demand changes to benefit locals, or reject it completely. The decision could influence how other African nations deal with similar proposals in the future. For ordinary Basotho people, the outcome will determine what kind of internet access they get and who controls this vital service in their country.
