Starlink has officially launched in Ghana, setting the stage for a significant shift in the country’s internet landscape. By offering satellite-based high-speed internet, Starlink aims to extend reliable connectivity to even the most remote areas, potentially disrupting the traditional telecom market and creating new opportunities for businesses and individuals alike.
Starlink provides several service plans tailored to different needs. The Standard Plan, priced at GH₵770 per month, offers unlimited data, ideal for household use. The Priority Plan, at GH₵1,078 per month, includes unlimited standard data, public IP access, network priority, and priority support, making it suitable for businesses or heavy data users. The Mobile Plan, starting at GH₵1,540 per month, caters to remote workers, campers, and businesses operating in various locations, offering unlimited mobile data within Ghana. The Mobile Priority Plan, designed for maritime users and emergency responders, ranges from GH₵4,428 per month for 50GB to GH₵17,710 per month for 1TB of data.
In addition to the subscription fees, customers must purchase the required hardware for GH₵5,390, with an additional shipping fee of GH₵354.
When compared to existing telecom data plans in Ghana, Starlink’s pricing presents a mixed picture. While Starlink offers cheaper data on a per-unit basis, the upfront and ongoing costs are significantly higher. For instance, MTN’s data plans range from GH₵0.5 for 17.79MB to GH₵350 for 92.88GB, making them more accessible for many Ghanaians, especially those with lower income levels.
Over five years, the total cost of Starlink’s service, including equipment, amounts to GH₵51,590. This could be a cost-effective option for businesses with high data needs, but individuals and small businesses might find the existing plans offered by traditional telcos more budget-friendly.
Interestingly, in Nigeria, Starlink’s pricing is lower, with equipment costing around 440,000 Naira (approximately GH₵4,330) and a monthly subscription of about 38,000 Naira (GH₵374). Over five years, the total cost in Nigeria would be approximately GH₵26,770, which is significantly lower than in Ghana.
Given the relatively lower income levels in Ghana, Starlink may need to introduce more affordable plans to cater to a broader customer base or risk struggling to attract a significant number of users.
