Elon Musk’s satellite internet service Starlink has received a 10-year license to operate in Lesotho. The Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) announced the approval on Monday, April 14, 2025, as Techpoint stated. Starlink will be Lesotho’s first satellite internet provider operating in the country, highlighting progress in expanding the nation’s digital transformation agenda, according to Space In Africa. “The approval of this operating licence clears the path for the Authority to finalise the terms and conditions under which Starlink Lesotho will provide satellite internet services to individuals and businesses across Lesotho.

Elon Musk’s Starlink is facing significant backlash in Lesotho over local equity. A rights group called Section 2 wants Starlink to give 30% of its ownership to Basotho citizens before obtaining a license to operate, according to TechPoint. The group voiced its concerns to the Lesotho Communications Authority, stating that the licensing deal is unfair since there is no local ownership. They also highlighted that other telecom providers in Lesotho, like Econet and Vodacom, have local shareholders, so why should Starlink receive special treatment? Starlink faces similar issues in South