Starlink, the leading satellite internet provider owned by businessman Elon Musk, is in negotiations with Morocco to launch a project in the Moroccan Sahara, according to the African affairs-focused website Africa Intelligence.
According to the same source, the company is currently in talks with Morocco, relying on Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch and coordinating with the Royal Cabinet to implement this project. This initiative could bring significant dynamism to Morocco’s southern provinces by providing high-speed satellite-backed internet.
If approved, the project would further reinforce the U.S. position in support of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara, especially given that Elon Musk holds a political position in Donald Trump’s administration, where he was appointed by the president to the Department of Government Efficiency.
International reports indicate that Starlink, a subsidiary of Musk’s parent company SpaceX, has revolutionized global internet connectivity. The company offers high-speed, low-latency internet services worldwide, particularly in remote and rural areas lacking traditional telecommunications infrastructure.
This project is particularly suitable for Morocco’s southern provinces due to the vastness of the Moroccan Sahara, where extending wired internet networks presents significant challenges and requires substantial financial investments. Starlink’s satellite-based solution makes it an attractive alternative to overcome these difficulties.
The company operates a large number of small satellites in low Earth orbit, which transmit and receive signals through specialized ground stations. This technology allows users to connect to the internet via small, dedicated antennas known as Starlink Dish, delivering faster internet speeds and lower latency.
It is worth noting that Starlink has already launched several projects in countries worldwide, including the United States, Canada, Europe, parts of South America, and Australia. The company is currently expanding its services in Africa and the Middle East, with plans to enter more markets, including Morocco.
