Starlink operations are illegal in Ghana – NCA warns

The National Communications Authority (NCA) is cautioning against the use and sale of Starlink in Ghana, advising that its operations are forbidden by the laws of the country.

The NCA said it has neither licensed the operations of Starlink in Ghana nor type-approved any of their equipment.

Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by American aerospace company SpaceX, providing coverage to over 60 countries.

However, in a statement issued on December 7, the regulator said its attention has been drawn to the alleged sale of Starlink equipment in the country. It warns that any individual involved in that act is violating Section 3(1) of the Electronic Communications Act 2008.

“Any entity that provides electronic communication services in Ghana without a Licence or Authorisation from the NCA is in direct violation of Section 3(1) of the Electronic Communications Act 2008, Act 775 which states that, ‘Except as otherwise provided under this Act a person shall not operate a public electronic communications service or network or provide a voice telephony service without a license granted by the Authority’,” the statement read.

The NCA is further cautioning the general public to desist from purchasing any equipment or service purported to be from Starlink.

“Persons engaging in the sale or operations of the service are also directed to cease and desist immediately,” the statement directed.

The NCA reiterated its commitment to ensuring participation and competition in the telecommunication market in Ghana to protect licenses and consumers.