Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet project aims to provide high-speed internet connections to schools in Rwanda.
Rwanda’s Minister of Information and Communications Technology and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, announced that at least 500 schools will be involved in the pilot project, with the service expected to be operational by February 22.
Starlink is a network of satellites developed by SpaceX to provide “cheap” internet to remote locations.
In early February, the Rwandan Space Agency (RSA) announced that it had granted Starlink a license allowing the company to operate in the country from the first quarter of 2023.
The internet capacity offered by Starlink is very high and relatively affordable compared to the internet services currently available in Rwanda.
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End user services cost 48,000 calls per month for up to 150 megabits per second (Mbps) of bandwidth. For larger facilities such as healthcare facilities, schools or public facilities, the capacity offered will be more affordable.
Fast, affordable Internet is changing the way students learn, work, and discover. Diana Nwati, Principal of Mother Mary International School in Kigali, said the fast and reliable connection allows students to access more information with all class materials with just one click. With the resources available, learning is fun and meaningful thanks to a fast network.
The initiative comes as the government is working to connect around 3,000 schools that are offline by 2024.
Around 3,000 of the 6,756 schools in the country are offline. The Starlink internet service aims to increase broadband competitiveness in Rwanda and help close the digital divide.
