Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Over a year after reaching a licensing agreement with the Government of The Gambia and collecting reservation deposits from eager customers, satellite internet provider Starlink says it is still waiting for a final regulatory signature from authorities, leaving prospective subscribers in limbo and raising fresh questions about the delayed rollout.
The delay follows earlier tensions in 2024 when Gambian authorities expressed displeasure over pressure from Starlink’s leadership to accelerate approval.
While those tensions appeared to ease and a deal was reached, the final authorization needed for the service to launch has yet to materialize, leaving customers waiting and the country’s much-anticipated satellite internet rollout on hold.
The company revealed in an update sent to reservation holders on February 13, 2026, that it paid the required licensing fees on December 2, 2024, following an agreement with the Gambian government the previous month.
However, Starlink said the final step, approval through the signature of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, has yet to be completed, with no explanation or timeline provided.
“Starlink and the Gambian government agreed to the terms of a final license in November 2024,” the company said in its statement to customers. “At the government’s instruction, Starlink paid the required licensing fees on December 2, 2024. The Government of The Gambia remains in possession of these funds. Unfortunately, more than one year later, Starlink has not yet received its final license.”
The company added that despite “extensive efforts to gain clarity,” it has not been given a reason for the delay or an update on when approval might be granted.
Customers Voice Frustration After Paying Deposits
The prolonged uncertainty has frustrated some customers who had paid deposits as early as January 2025 in anticipation of being among the first users.
Joachim Rütter, a resident who made a $9 reservation payment while in The Gambia, said he received the recent update with mixed feelings.
“Thirteen months later, the answer would still be ‘we don’t know yet,’” he wrote on social media, expressing disappointment at the continued delay despite the service being technically ready to operate.
He noted that while he understood licensing processes could take time, watching neighboring countries move ahead had tested his patience.
Illegal Rout as Delay Stands in Contrast to Regional Rollout
Some users have reportedly resorted to purchasing Starlink equipment abroad and connecting through regional roaming using licenses issued in neighboring countries, a workaround that is technically possible but illegal under Gambian regulations.
The delay in The Gambia contrasts sharply with developments in neighboring countries. Starlink officially launched in Senegal on February 4, 2026, becoming its 26th African market, while Guinea-Bissau has also activated the service.
Given The Gambia’s geography, almost entirely surrounded by Senegal, the satellite infrastructure already covers the country, meaning the only obstacle to launch is regulatory approval.
Starlink said it is now licensed in 29 African countries and more than 160 markets worldwide, positioning itself as a key provider of broadband internet in underserved areas.
Starlink Says It Remains Committed
Despite the setback, Starlink said it remains committed to entering the Gambian market and supporting national digital development goals.
“Any further delay in licensing undermines these shared goals and limits connectivity options for Gambian consumers, businesses, schools, and health facilities,” the company said.
It added that it is ready to work with local telecommunications partners and comply fully with Gambian laws, emphasizing that its services could help expand affordable high-speed internet access, particularly in rural areas.
The company said it stands ready to begin operations “as soon as the remaining regulatory steps are completed.”
