Lesotho gets Starlink internet access

Lesotho has officially joined the global satellite internet revolution with the launch of high-speed services by local digital transformation group T-Connect, in partnership with Starlink.

T-Connect claims to have invested over M1 billion projected over the next three to four years, and says the initiative aims to deliver affordable, uncapped internet access even in the most remote corners of the country, marking a major milestone in bridging Lesotho’s persistent digital divide.

T-Connect, an authorised Starlink reseller, provides specialised satellite internet and technology solutions to businesses of all sizes. The partnership promises high-speed, low-latency connectivity to underserved regions across all ten districts of Lesotho.

The Chief Executive Officer of T-Connect, Phelane Phomane, told the media on Monday this week that the service will offer uncapped internet access for just M10 per day, a significant drop from the current M19 charged by other service providers.

He added that the initiative is projected to create 10,000 direct jobs and 50,000 indirect jobs, fuelling entrepreneurship and economic participation.

Phomane further assured Basotho that T-Connect has no interest in collecting or exploiting users’ personal data.

“Rather than selling mobile phones and SIM cards, we will sell internet access based on time,” he said.

He also revealed that T-Connect is in the advanced stages of establishing a Starlink-powered Artificial Intelligence Data Centre in the Highlands of Lesotho set to become the highest data centre in the world.

As part of the broader rollout, T-Connect and Starlink will establish community hotspots nationwide, allowing users to connect via special access codes.

“We heard the Prime Minister’s call, and we are not taking this task lightly,” Phomane said. “We are here and ready to work with government and stakeholders to tackle unemployment and drive digital transformation in Lesotho.”

Nolo Letele, Executive Chairman of T-Connect LS, said Starlink’s technology is critical to overcoming Lesotho’s challenging terrain and limited infrastructure.

“Unlike traditional internet services, Starlink offers high-speed, low-latency connections that can reach even the hardest-to-access areas,” Letele said.

He emphasised that this is a transformative opportunity for regions that have long been left behind.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Communications, Matjato Moteane said government fully supports T-Connect’s efforts.

“We are embracing what T-Connect is bringing,” Moteane said. “Government will collaborate to create a fair platform for all players.”

On behalf of the Prime Minister, the Minister of Education and Training, Ntoi Rapapa, expressed confidence that every corner of Lesotho will soon be connected.

“We strongly believe this initiative will lead to youth engagement and employment, as well as the development of essential digital skills,” Rapapa said.

As part of its digital inclusion programme, T-Connect and Starlink have also launched a four-day training session for 30 content creators and digital marketers, equipping them with the tools to thrive in the evolving digital economy.

The Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) granted Starlink a 10-year operating license on April 14, this year following a year-long regulatory review process. 

Starlink is a division of SpaceX focused on developing and deploying a constellation of satellites to provide global high-speed internet access. In essence, SpaceX designs, manufactures, and launches the satellites that make up the Starlink network.

While the exact number of Starlink’s global workforce isn’t publicly available, it is said that SpaceX employs a large number of people across various departments to support the Starlink project. 

SpaceX has a global workforce of approximately 13,000 employees.