Bamako announced on March 20 its decision to “dismantle and ban Starlink terminals throughout the national territory”. Billionaire Elon Musk’s Starlink network of low-Earth orbit satellites can provide internet access in remote areas or areas not covered by operators, such as large areas of Mali. Starlink kits typically consist of a router, a receiving antenna and accessories.
The authorities indicated in March that they had become aware of the unauthorized use of these kits by non-governmental organizations, individuals, but also in areas of the north and east particularly prey to the activities of separatist groups and jihadists. “The uncontrolled and illicit use of this technology, which has not been approved in Mali, (can) promote the prosperity of the actions of armed terrorist groups and constitutes a violation of market rules”they said then. They affirmed their intention to“examine the feasibility” of legal use.
After this examination conducted with licensed operators, internet service providers and sub-regional regulators, the importation and marketing of Starlink kits are authorized. “for a period of six months”the time of “establish a regulatory framework and a registration and identification platform for all users”said the council of ministers. The council of ministers affirms that, despite the ban, the kits already sold and installed continued to function and “can end up in the wrong hands.”
Mali, plunged into a deep multidimensional crisis since 2012, is facing the spread of jihadists, a separatist insurgency and the actions of different armed groups.
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