Starlink kits for isolated areas. The Ministry of Digital Development, Posts, and Telecommunications (MNDPT) has announced the arrival of 300 Starlink kits as part of a collaboration with the American giant. These units, which include free internet access, will be prioritized for areas where they can have a direct impact on the population, regions that remain digitally isolated, and localities facing difficulties in accessing high-quality internet connections. The ministry stated that the selection of beneficiary sites will begin shortly.
For the ministry, the primary goal of this collaboration with Starlink is to bridge the digital divide. It is not intended to compete with existing technologies but rather to complement them. The ministry emphasized that fiber optics, mobile networks, shared infrastructure, and satellite internet services are meant to work together to connect the Malagasy population.
Nevertheless, the ministry believes that the proliferation of available technologies fosters competition in the sector and helps reduce costs. The availability of a free service offering helps lower expenditures on various types of services and contributes to making internet access more affordable for the people of Madagascar.
Starlink obtained its license to install and operate broadband satellite internet services for the next five years in late April 2024, paying an initial license fee of 100,000 euros. The agreement also includes an annual fee of 5% of its pre-tax turnover to be paid to the regulatory body.
With this license, Starlink was authorized to establish and operate a public satellite telecommunications network, including Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPC), broadband, and VSAT types. No other tax obligations or requirements to establish a headquarters in Madagascar were imposed at the time.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-07 12:23:34 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.2424.mg/internet-madagascar-recoit-300-kits-de-la-part-de-starlink-a-repartir-dans-les-zones-mal-desservies-par-internet/
