In Africa, satellite telecom service providers like Starlink are attracting growing interest from consumers, telecom companies, and governments. In Benin, the regulator aims to regulate this booming market segment.
The Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Postal Services of Benin (ARCEP) has established conditions governing the provision of electronic communication services via non-terrestrial networks such as satellites in the country. The telecom regulator has given a six-month deadline to existing stakeholders to comply with the regulations.
Article 3 of a decision published on Thursday, April 11, states that "Service providers using non-terrestrial networks shall carry out their activities in compliance with current legislation, including network and service security and personal data protection". The decision also emphasizes the need for a prior declaration of activities to the regulator, as well as the payment of various fees.
The new decision aligns with ARCEP's mission to regulate the market. It comes at a time when there is growing interest in satellite telecommunications services in Africa, from consumers, telecom operators, and governments. Benin has granted an operating license to the American company Starlink, which commenced commercial operations in the country in November 2023.
This resurgence of interest is due to the extensive coverage of satellite solutions, reaching even those in rural, remote, and hard-to-access areas where conventional land networks may not reach. Moreover, they serve as an alternative in case of failures in terrestrial and submarine infrastructures.