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Ghana warns against illegal use and sale of Starlink services

Recently, regulatory authorities in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Senegal have also issued warnings to the public and Starlink resellers, cautioning against unauthorised operations.

The National Communications Authority (NCA), Ghana’s telecommunications regulator, has issued a stern warning regarding the use and sale of Starlink internet services in the country, declaring such operations illegal.

The NCA has officially stated that it has not granted a license to Starlink, the satellite internet service provided by SpaceX, and has not approved any of its equipment for use within Ghana.

In a released statement, the NCA said: “The NCA has neither licensed the operations of Starlink in Ghana nor type-approved any of their equipment.” The statement emphasised that providing electronic communication services without proper authorisation violates Section 3(1) of the Electronic Communications Act 2008, Act 775.

The NCA cautioned the public against using or purchasing equipment claiming to be from Starlink. The statement asserted: “Persons engaging in the sale or operations of the service are also directed to cease and desist immediately.”

Highlighting the regulatory framework, the NCA reassured the public, and stated: “The Authority will continue to ensure fair participation and competition in the market to safeguard its licensees and consumers.”

While Starlink has received approval to operate in other African countries, including Nigeria and Mozambique, Ghana’s NCA has taken a decisive stance against its unauthorised operations within the country.