The pending entry of Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, into the Cameroonian market has raised concerns among authorities.
According to reports, authorities fear that the Starlink service could pose a threat to the incumbent operator, Camtel.
What They’re Saying
- “In Cameroon, Camtel is the incumbent operator, the only one competent to manage transport infrastructures. If Camtel does not improve its performance, Starlink will overshadow it,” stated Minette Libom Li Likeng, the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, during the official launch of the Industry Maker Academy (IMA 2024) on April 4.
- “All you need is Starlink equipment, a code, plug it in and you’re connected… with all the risks it entails,” Libom Li Likeng explained.
- The minister expressed concerns that uncontrolled use of such equipment could pose security risks and threaten personal data protection. “Protecting personal data is akin to how we protect ourselves and dress. Using new technologies without considering how information is protected and managed leaves you at the mercy of fraudsters,” Libom Li Likeng argued.
Between The Lines
Starlink has yet to receive regulatory approval from Cameroonian authorities to operate within the country.
The company outlined its terms of service to users currently using terminals and services in Cameroon, that it will by April 30, 2024, block internet to users in the region, stating that it’s a violation of its services.
Zoom Out
Starlink’s entry into Cameroon will have an impact on internet usage in the country. In January 2018, the Cameroonian government blocked internet access in the country to temper down criticism aimed against the government.
The March 14 Internet blackout following incidents on undersea fiber optic cables has heightened the interest of Internet users in Starlink.
The Big Picture
According to a post by prominent Cameroonian tech entrepreneur Rebecca Enonchong, Starlink’s presence in Cameroon is a threat to the current government’s regime to control the internet.
She highlighted Camtel’s monopoly in the internet space and the government’s inability to fully “control” Starlink if it enters the market.
Data Insights
The current state of Starlink services in Africa:
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