Cameroon Implements Ban on Importation of Starlink Kits to Safeguard National Security Amidst Ghana’s Approval

In a recent directive issued by the Director General of Customs, Cameroon has taken decisive steps to address concerns regarding the importation of telecommunication equipment known as Starlink.

The directive, issued through the Directorate General of Customs, Fongod Edwin Nuvaga, highlights the potential threat posed by these devices to national security. [See N° 004150/MINFI/DGD of April 15 2024]

Fongod Edwin,, responsible for overseeing customs operations, has expressed alarm over the increasing instances of Starlink kits being imported into the country. These kits, known for providing users with unlimited and ultra-fast internet connectivity, operate outside the purview of the Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ART), raising concerns about potential security vulnerabilities.

According to the directive, the importation of telecommunication transmission equipment into Cameroon is subject to approval from the ART. However, the influx of Starlink kits, which bypass regulatory oversight, has prompted authorities to take swift action to safeguard national interests.

Customs Sector Chiefs have been instructed to enforce the ban rigorously, with a mandate to seize any telecommunication equipment imported without the requisite approval from the ART. This proactive measure aims to stem the flow of unauthorized telecommunications devices across Cameroonian borders and mitigate potential risks to national security.

Fongod Edwin Nuvaga, the Director General of Customs, emphasized the importance of prompt reporting on seizures related to unauthorized telecommunication equipment. This collaborative effort between customs officials and regulatory bodies is crucial in upholding Cameroon’s regulatory framework and protecting the integrity of its telecommunications infrastructure.

While Cameroon is taking firm steps to address the importation of Starlink kits, Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet provider, announced new measures to crack down on unlicensed locations. Starting April 30, global and regional roaming will be unavailable in countries like Cameroon and South Africa where Starlink hasn’t secured licensing [Source: Benjamin Dada].

This move effectively cuts off a workaround for those who purchased Starlink kits from licensed regions like Nigeria for use in unauthorized areas. While the company assures users in an email, “We are working as quickly as possible to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals…to be allowed to offer services,” concerns remain about the impact of this decision on connectivity options in affected regions.

While Cameroon is taking firm steps to address the importation of Starlink kits, Ghana is making strides in embracing satellite broadband services. 

The National Communications Authority (NCA) of Ghana has granted approval to SpaceX’s Starlink GH LTD to provide satellite broadband services in the country. This decision reflects Ghana’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and embracing innovative solutions to bolster its digital economy [Source: Space in Africa].

With this decision, Ghana joins a prestigious list of African countries already benefiting from Starlink’s cutting-edge technology, including Benin, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Zambia.

The approval of Starlink in Ghana marks a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards strengthening its digital economy and connecting its citizens to the global digital landscape. 

By embracing innovative solutions like Starlink’s high-speed internet services, Ghana aims to bridge the digital divide, enhance connectivity, and unlock new opportunities for economic growth and development.

As Ghana prepares to welcome Starlink’s satellite broadband services, anticipation is high for the transformative impact it will have on the country’s telecommunications sector and its citizens’ access to reliable and high-speed internet connectivity. 

While Ghana continues to embrace satellite broadband services, Cameroon’s ban on the importation of Starlink kits underscores the complexity of regulatory challenges in the telecommunications sector. 

Photo by Mariia Shalabaieva on Unsplash