In a major development for Ghana’s internet landscape, Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, officially became available in Ghana in August 2024. This is a game-changer for many, especially those in remote areas with limited access to reliable internet connectivity. As of today, September 8, 2024, Ghanaians across the country can order a Starlink dish and have it delivered to any part of the country.
In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know about Starlink in Ghana; from my personal experience using the service, pricing plans, to the benefits of satellite internet, and how to get started with your Starlink service.
What Is Starlink?
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX. It aims to provide high-speed internet access to underserved and remote areas globally. By using low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, Starlink offers lower latency and faster speeds compared to traditional satellite internet services.
For Ghanaians, the introduction of Starlink means more reliable and faster internet options, particularly in regions where fiber and traditional broadband services are either non-existent or unreliable.
Personal Experience Using Starlink in Ghana
In June this year, I ordered for a Starlink dish. As at that time, it was not officially available in Ghana. Due to the nature of my work (Remote worker), I needed a stable source of internet connection. The local ISPs were not available in my area.
I paid for a private ISP who unfortunately did not deliver on their promise. I was in desperate need of a very reliable internet source. During my research, I realised I could actually order for Starlink from another supported African country, and use the Mobile Regional service. That is is exactly what I did.
I got someone in Nigeria to make the purchase for me, and got it shipped down to Ghana. On June 21, 2024, I became a prod owner of a Starlink kit.
How Starlink Works
Setting up the Starlink is incredibly easy. You just need a clear view of the sky with no or minimal obstructions. The Starlink app provides a seamless setup experience that anyone can use. The only time you need help with the setup is if your place (House, office, etc) require you to mount the dish in a way that gives it more exposure to the sky. You can get professional installers to handle the dish setup for you in such instances.
Starlink is satellite internet. What this means is that it communicates with satellites in orbit that transmit data back and forth, between the dish on the ground, and the satellites above.
Data Usage & Speeds
The interned speeds usually depend on certain factors such as weather conditions, number of users on the network (Local network at home/office), your service plan (Standard/priority or business).
In my experience, the lowest speeds I’ve seen was 20Mbps, which was still enough keep me connected and get work down. Even with such low speeds, I’m still able to stream 4K content on YouTube and Netflix without interruption.
In terms of data cap, there is none. This is pure unlimited data! (I hope MTN Ghana sees this 😤)
Starlink in Ghana: Plans and Pricing
Starlink offers four key plans in Ghana, each designed to meet different user needs—ranging from individual household use to specialized business operations. Here’s a breakdown of the plans available:
1. Standard Plan
Price: GH₵770/month
The Standard Plan is perfect for household usage, offering unlimited data with high-speed internet. It is ideal for families or individuals looking to stream content, work from home, or manage everyday internet usage without worrying about data caps.
2. Priority Plan
Price: GH₵1,078/month
Designed for businesses or users with higher data demands, the Priority Plan provides unlimited standard data, but with added features such as:
– Public IP Access: Suitable for users requiring remote access.
– Network Priority: Enjoy higher speeds and reliability during peak hours.
– Priority Support: Dedicated customer support to resolve any issues swiftly.
This plan is excellent for businesses or organizations with high-bandwidth needs such as video conferencing, large file transfers, or multiple users sharing the connection.
3. Mobile Plan
Price: Starting from GH₵1,540/month
This plan targets remote workers, campers, and businesses that need connectivity across different locations. It includes unlimited mobile data within Ghana. Pricing increases based on the amount of priority data required, making it a flexible option for mobile internet users. This plan is perfect for users who frequently change locations but need consistent connectivity.
4. Mobile Priority Plan
Price: Ranges from GH₵4,428 to GH₵17,710/month
Aimed at maritime users, emergency responders, and mobile businesses, this specialized plan offers unique features such as:
– Inland and Ocean Use Data: Internet connectivity across Ghana’s inland and maritime territories.
– Network Priority: Ensures the best possible performance, even in congested areas.
– Priority Support: Direct access to Starlink’s dedicated support team.
The cost of this plan starts at GH₵4,428 for 50GB of priority data and goes up to GH₵17,710 for 1TB of data.
Hardware and Setup Costs
In addition to the monthly subscription costs, Starlink requires customers to purchase specific hardware:
– Starlink Dish: GH₵5,390
– Shipping Costs: GH₵354
The Starlink dish is a crucial component for connecting to the satellite network, and users will need to install it at their location to access the service. Installation is straightforward, and SpaceX provides detailed instructions for setting it up yourself.
Why Choose Starlink?
Here are some reasons why Starlink may be the best option for you in Ghana, especially in rural or underserved areas:
1. Accessibility: Traditional internet services may not be available in many parts of Ghana, particularly in rural regions. Starlink offers satellite internet that can reach virtually anywhere, making it a valuable alternative for those in remote areas. I live in Accra but the ISPs are not reliable at all. For the first time in a long time, I’ve gone 3 months straight without any “Our engineers are working on it” excuses. Anyone who has used MTN or Telecel Broadband understands this 🤣
2. High-Speed, Low-Latency: Unlike traditional satellite internet, which can suffer from high latency, Starlink uses low-Earth orbit satellites, offering faster internet speeds and lower latency. This makes it suitable for activities such as online gaming, video conferencing, and HD video streaming.
3. Unlimited Data: All Starlink plans offer unlimited data, eliminating concerns over data caps. This makes it ideal for users with heavy internet usage, such as streaming, downloading large files, or running multiple devices simultaneously.
4. Scalability: With a variety of plans designed for different needs, from individual households to mobile businesses, Starlink can scale according to your requirements. If you opt for the business plan, you can actually use the service to run an internet café business. But do check in with Starlink before taking this step.
Who Benefits Most from Starlink in Ghana?
– Remote Workers and Freelancers: Ghana’s growing freelance and remote work economy can benefit significantly from Starlink’s stable and fast internet, especially in areas where fiber-optic or broadband services are unreliable or unavailable.
– Businesses in Rural Areas: Many businesses in rural regions of Ghana struggle with poor connectivity, limiting their ability to engage in e-commerce or online operations. Starlink offers a reliable solution for companies that need consistent internet for day-to-day operations.
– Mobile Users: For individuals and organizations that require mobile internet across multiple locations—whether on land or at sea—Starlink’s mobile plans provide flexible, high-speed connectivity.
How to Get Started with Starlink in Ghana
To get started, visit the official Starlink website (starlink.com) and place an order for your Starlink dish. The hardware will be delivered to your location anywhere in Ghana, and you can begin the installation process. Starlink’s user-friendly interface and setup process make it easy to get your internet service up and running in no time.
Conclusion
The introduction of Starlink in Ghana marks a significant advancement in internet connectivity, particularly for underserved areas. With various plans catering to individual, business, and mobile users, Starlink offers a versatile, reliable, and high-speed alternative to traditional internet services.
If you’re considering upgrading your internet service or are in a location where reliable connectivity is a challenge, Starlink could be the perfect solution. Stay ahead of the curve by getting connected today.
PS: I’ve created a subreddit on Reddit for anyone looking to get more information about Starlink. Do check it out at: https://www.reddit.com/r/StarlinkGhana/
