Analysis of SpaceX Starlink Non-Market Issues in Africa

Abstract

Satellites have supported us for half a century, and the rapid advancement of technology has led to a massive increase in the use of technological devices worldwide. The use of technology requires fast and high-quality networks to sustain the five trillion gigabytes of data transferred through the internet everyday. SpaceX Starlink started its launching of satellites in the hope of global expansion one day in the satellite telecommunication industry. Yet, Starlink is currently facing two major non-market issues in multiple regions of Africa, which sets a massive barrier between Starlink and its ultimate goal. This paper assembles and analyzes numerous scholarly articles from diverse perspectives to decipher a feasible solution to encourage and promote Starlink in complying with the two non-market issues in Africa. The two non-market issues are security concerns from the African government and the lack of engagement from underdeveloped countries. The solution found to best accommodate the first issue is to negotiate with African governments to find a middle ground, and the resolution for the second issue is to introduce opportunities for underdeveloped countries in Africa to access education, digital economics innovations, and advanced technologies.