Starlink, the high-speed satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk, has finally begun service in Sierra Leone.

The announcement was made at the 2024 Sierra Leone Innovates Tech Summit opening up new possibilities for connectivity and innovation. The arrival of the service makes Sierra Leone the 100th market to receive it.

You’ve heard that Starlink can solve your slow internet problems. But do you know how to get your hands on it? This blog will show you how to order and pay for a Starlink subscription in Sierra Leone.

What is Starlink?

Starlink is a satellite constellation that provides internet access through Low Earth Orbital (LEO). It’s the first internet service provider of its kind. Starlink is different from other ISPs in speed and design. While others have one satellite orbiting the earth at a farther distance (35,786km), Starlink orbits the earth at a close distance of 550 km. The result is better internet speed.

Why Starlink is a Better Choice than Other ISPs

Sierra Leone’s major mobile service providers are Africell, Orange, SierraTel and QCell. These operators also provide internet services, and most Sierra Leone use their services. In addition to these mobile operators, there are other broadband internet service providers. However, the narrative remains that internet speed is low, and sometimes, access is completely severed when there is a server shutdown or glitch.

Starlink promises advancements in healthcare, banking and financial services, agriculture, and overall productivity in areas lacking internet access. How?

With Starlink, healthcare providers and seekers have better chances of giving and accessing healthcare. Online education will also improve as better internet access makes it easier to access educational materials, join online classes and participate in online exams without network hitches.

It brings speed and consistency, a higher quality connection to the table. It’ll reduce the time people spend at banks or online waiting for their transactions to be processed.

Cost of Using Starlink in Sierra Leone

Starlink service in Sierra Leone costs NLe1,020.00/Month, the Hardware costs NLe7,860.00 while shipping & handling costs NLe517.00. Once purchased, it takes about 1-2 weeks to ship Starlink to Sierra Leone.

Other Requirements to Use Starlink in Sierra Leone

According to Starlink’s website, per the Telecommunications (Subscribers Identification and Registration) Regulations 2020, customers in Sierra Leone must register with Starlink before the Starlink service can be activated. In the future, customers will be required to submit a copy of a photo ID.

After you place your order, you will receive a Support Ticket in your Account Portal where you can provide the additional information to complete registration. Please note, your order will not be shipped until the information is submitted.

How to Order Starlink & Pay for Subscription in Sierra Leone

Before you order Starlink, it is important to take some time to look at the different Starlink service plans. There are two major plans – Standard and Mobile. Under Mobile, you can choose either the regional or plan.

Here are the steps to order and pay for Starlink subscriptions in Sierra Leone.

Visit the Starlink website and create an account. You will find the Sign-up button at the bottom right corner of the page.

Place an order by tapping the Order Now button on the homepage. As soon as you initiate the process, you’ll need to specify the number of Starlink packages you want to buy and your shipping address.

Make the payment. The website will open up a payment page where you’ll enter your payment details. Enter your debit or credit card details to pay and complete the order process.

Wait to receive your Starlink package. The company will send you an email detailing your order tracking information and the estimated waiting time.

Your order will be delivered, and the package will include the satellite dish, the modem and the mounting kit.

Conclusion

Starlink is an internet service provider under SpaceX, the spacecraft company owned by Elon Musk. It’s a huge sensation in Sierra Leone because it was designed to provide ultra-fast internet access to users in rural areas in select parts of the world. Starlink is available in Sierra Leone, and you can order one for personal or corporate use.