Morocco's Satellite Internet Future on Hold: Starlink Awaits Regulatory Green Light

SpaceX's satellite internet service Starlink has not launched operations in Morocco, contrary to recent media reports. Industry sources confirm the service remains unavailable as regulatory approvals are still pending.

While SpaceX has taken initial steps by establishing a subsidiary in Casablanca, the company still requires crucial licensing from Morocco's National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT). The regulatory body, which oversees satellite-based telecommunications services in the country, has yet to make a determination regarding Starlink's operations.

Discussions between SpaceX and Moroccan authorities regarding market entry are ongoing. The company aims to provide high-speed internet through its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, which operates approximately 550 kilometers above Earth's surface.

ANRT approval remains a prerequisite for any service launch, though no official timeline has been established. Industry observers suggest licensing might be granted in 2025, but officials have not confirmed these projections.

The service, which targets regions with limited traditional internet infrastructure, requires customers to purchase specialized equipment costing approximately MAD 6,500 (USD 650) and maintain a monthly subscription of around MAD 1,100 (USD 110). SpaceX currently reports a global active subscriber base exceeding 100,000.

Starlink's technology utilizes a network of thousands of small satellites to deliver high-speed internet connectivity to remote and underserved areas where conventional networks are insufficient.

The company has recently expanded its African presence, establishing a partnership with Liberia to provide comprehensive internet coverage through local collaborations. Several other African nations, including Nigeria, Kenya, Benin, and Rwanda, have already implemented the service.

In Morocco, however, regulatory requirements persist as significant barriers. The ANRT maintains strict licensing protocols to ensure alignment with national standards and facilitate cooperation with local telecommunications providers. Current indicators suggest Starlink's deployment in Morocco is unlikely before 2025.