Elon Musk’s Starlink is expanding in Nigeria by setting up new ground stations in Lagos, Ogun, and Rivers states. This development aims to enhance internet connectivity, reduce latency, and bypass international data centers. Partnering with Equinix, Starlink’s project will cover 29,000 acres, with facilities expected by 2025.
Elon Musk's satellite internet provider, Starlink, is making significant strides in Nigeria by establishing new ground stations to bolster the country's internet connectivity. The company is setting up facilities in Lagos, Ogun, and Rivers states, covering a total of approximately 29,000 acres. Key locations include Okun Ajah in Lagos, Sagamu in Ogun, and Port Harcourt in Rivers.
Starlink is collaborating with Equinix, a prominent data center provider that entered the Nigerian market in 2022 with the acquisition of MainOne for $320 million. Construction is already underway in Lagos, with completion expected by late 2024, while the other sites are projected to be operational by 2025.
These ground stations will facilitate direct communication between Starlink's satellites and the internet backbone, streamlining data transfer and potentially reducing latency. This development promises a significant improvement in internet service for Nigerians, who currently experience delays due to the reliance on international data centers.
Starlink's entry into Nigeria began in 2022 with the acquisition of an Internet Service Provider (ISP) license from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), alongside other key licenses. This expansion solidifies Starlink’s position in Nigeria's telecom sector, where it has quickly become a major player despite higher costs compared to local ISPs.
