Rwanda’s Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has announced plans to pilot a satellite internet service from SpaceX otherwise known as Starlink internet in 500 schools after its launch on February 22nd. The move is part of a broader initiative to provide high-speed internet to underserved areas in the country. The satellite-based internet provided by Elon Musk’s Starlink is expected to provide students and teachers in Rwanda with access to educational resources and digital tools.
The program is set to begin this month and will play a crucial role in improving education, especially for schools that lack reliable internet access.One of the challenges of the program is the lack of sufficient digital devices for students. Isaac Ruganza, head teacher at EP Kimihurura, stated that his school has only 136 devices for its 1,405 students.
What is Starlink?
Starlink is a satellite internet service that utilizes a network of low Earth orbit satellites to provide high-speed internet access to areas with limited or no connectivity. This technology has the potential to bring reliable and high-speed internet to rural and remote areas, providing valuable tools for improving education, healthcare, and economic opportunities in underserved communities.
Rwanda has approximately 6,756 schools, including primary, secondary, and TVET schools. Of these, around 3,000 schools currently lack reliable internet access. The Rwandan government is hoping to reduce this number with the launch of the Starlink internet service. Rwanda is not the first African country to pilot the satellite internet service, Starlink had been working to secure regulatory approval in Nigeria for at least a year and was finally granted approval in May 2021.
Image Credit: Patrick Pleul/Pool Photo via AP
