Starlink Internet Officially Launches in Lesotho Through T-Connect

Global technology mogul Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service is now officially available in Lesotho, following its launch by local digital transformation company, T-Connect Lesotho. The introduction of Starlink is set to address the country’s long-standing internet connectivity challenges, bringing high-speed, low-latency satellite internet to underserved and remote areas.

T-Connect, the authorised Starlink reseller in Lesotho, unveiled the service during a high-profile launch event at AVANI Maseru. The occasion marked a major milestone in the country’s digital development journey. This follows the granting of a 10-year operating licence by the Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) on 14 April 2025, after an intensive year-long regulatory review process.

Speaking at the launch, T-Connect Group Chairperson, Nolo Letele, reassured stakeholders that Starlink’s arrival would complement, not compete with, existing telecommunications companies in Lesotho. He stressed that the project’s goal is to enhance national connectivity infrastructure without threatening local jobs.

“I see the project as a complement to the already available telcos. The project is not here to take away people’s jobs,” Mr Letele said. He also highlighted that Starlink would focus on connecting areas that have remained unreachable or prohibitively expensive for traditional service providers.

“For example, we have made some installations in very far-flung schools, like in Thaba-Tseka at Ha Makunyapane, where there is no internet access. Our big focus is to access those service areas. We feel that we will be able to cover pretty much anywhere in Lesotho where the sun shines,” he added.

T-Connect Group Chief Executive Officer, Advocate Phelane Phomane, outlined the severity of Lesotho’s connectivity challenges, noting that while the country has the potential for 90% cellular coverage, nearly 80% of the rural population remains offline.

“Lesotho has the potential for 90% cellular coverage, but 80 percent of the rural population is offline,” Advocate Phomane said. He described limited internet access as one of the most pressing issues Starlink aims to resolve.

“There is high youth unemployment, the country’s economy is modest and in need of diversification, and reliable connectivity infrastructure remains a major challenge. This is largely why we exist — to solve some of these challenges,” he said.

During the pilot phase, T-Connect provided Starlink internet free of charge to Marakabei High School in Thaba-Tseka. The school, which has had computers since 2017, could not access the internet until now.

“The school has had computers since 2017 but had never been able to connect to the internet. Now, with Starlink, they can finally go online,” Adv Phomane said.

T-Connect also announced plans to roll out community internet hotspots across Lesotho. These hotspots will offer affordable access, with a daily uncapped internet package priced at M10. Additionally, business packages with speeds of up to 150Mbps will start from M1,600 per month.

Looking to the future, Adv Phomane revealed that T-Connect, in partnership with the Development Bank of Southern Africa, plans to build AI-powered data centres across the region. One of these centres will be located in Lesotho.

“When we are done, the Lesotho data centre will be the highest data centre in the world. It will be the most unique data centre globally and will fundamentally transform the foundations of our economy,” he said.

Adv Phomane emphasized that this initiative would enable Lesotho to become a regional digital hub, exporting digital skills and services without citizens needing to emigrate.

“Our country will be a regional hub that exports digital skills. We will be a smart country, with advanced security and fraud detection systems. There will be better resource management and more job creation in the country,” he explained. The project is expected to generate 10,000 direct jobs and over 50,000 indirect jobs.

Delivering remarks on behalf of Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane, the Minister of Education and Training, Professor Ntoi Rapapa, described Starlink’s arrival as a transformative step in Lesotho’s digital future.

“This is a major shift for Lesotho. We do have challenges, particularly in the remote areas, but with an extra private sector player like T-Connect, we believe every corner of this country will soon have access to the internet and digital transformation,” Professor Rapapa said.

He highlighted the broad benefits of improved connectivity for sectors such as education, healthcare, tourism, and entertainment.

“Connectivity is key for the education sector, health sector, tourism and in all sectors that we have, including the entertainment industry,” he added.

Professor Rapapa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment, stressing that Lesotho’s growth will continue to rely on private sector-led development.

“Everybody must understand that the role of government is to continue to provide a level playing field for all private sector entities, so that the country can achieve private sector-led economic growth,” he concluded.