Should You Buy Starlink in Nigeria?

On January 30, 2023, SpaceX announced that Nigeria had become the first African country to receive Starlink internet service. Since then, many Nigerians, particularly remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs, have been contemplating whether this service is the best solution for reliable and fast internet in the country.

As the Nigerian economy grows, reliable internet access is becoming even more critical than ever. However, internet connectivity in some regions remains spotty or unavailable altogether. This is where Starlink positions itself as a potential game changer.

What is Starlink?

Starlink, launched by SpaceX, is a satellite-based internet service that offers high-speed broadband across 40+ countries, including Nigeria. Starlink uses low-Earth orbit satellites to provide coverage even in remote areas, making it an attractive option for people living in regions where connectivity is unreliable or unavailable. Its ability to provide service anywhere, come rain, shine or snow, is one of the key selling points. 

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Internet Provider

Some of the factors that people typically evaluate when choosing an internet service provider include:

1. Speed: Internet speed is one of the first things people check. Starlink boasts download speeds of 200 Mbps, which is fast enough for most online activities like streaming, video conferencing, or large file downloads.
2. Latency: This refers to how long it takes data to travel from your device to the server and back. Lower latency is essential for activities like gaming or real-time communication. While satellite internet traditionally has higher latency than cable or fibre, Starlink's low-Earth orbit satellites help reduce latency to around 20-40 milliseconds.
3. Reliability: An internet connection is only as good as its reliability. People expect minimal disruptions, especially for work-related tasks. Starlink is designed to provide stable connections, even in areas where cables and wireless networks struggle.
4. Cost: Another important factor is the cost. Starlink’s setup cost in Nigeria is around N440,000 for the hardware and a monthly subscription fee of N38,000. While it’s pricier than some other options, the service may justify the cost if you live in an area with poor connectivity.

How Does Starlink Compare with Traditional Internet Providers

When it comes to internet choices in Nigeria, many users opt for local ISPs. They often provide decent connectivity in urban areas but may struggle in more remote or rural regions. They also have affordable monthly rates. Starlink, however, promises global coverage, fast speeds and low latency at the cost of N440,000 for the equipment.

How to pay for Starlink in Nigeria

If you’re in Nigeria and looking to buy a Starlink, you would find that most naira debit cards in Nigeria are restricted when it comes to making payments on international platforms, and this limitation has affected individuals and businesses looking to buy products from abroad.

But the Geegpay Virtual Dollar Card can help. Geegpay’s USD card works for international purchases, including for Starlink hardware.

• Simply download the Geegpay app and create your free account
• Get verified and open your bank accounts in USD, EUR, or GBP
• Create a virtual dollar card and fund it from any of your bank accounts
• Use the card to pay on the Starlink website, as well as monthly subscriptions, without any hassle.

After receiving your Starlink kit, download the Starlink app, unpack the kit and follow the app’s instructions to assemble the Starlink dish and other components.