Senegal Supreme Court suspends Starlink operating license

The Supreme Court of Senegal has issued a provisional suspension of the operating license granted to Starlink, the satellite internet service owned by SpaceX. The decision follows a legal challenge by Sonatel, an Orange Group subsidiary and the country’s historical telecommunications operator.

Sonatel filed a recourse for annulment based on an alleged abuse of power, arguing that the license granted to Starlink in November 2025 creates unfair competition and regulatory asymmetry. The operator contends that it faces heavy financial and administrative burdens, having paid approximately 134.5 billion FCFA in licenses, rights, and frequency royalties. Sonatel further argued that while it is legally obligated to maintain universal service, ensure nationwide coverage, and invest in physical infrastructure, Starlink operates under significantly more relaxed conditions.

The court's ruling effectively freezes Starlink's ability to market its fixed satellite internet services in Senegal until a final judgment is reached regarding the legality of the government's authorization decree.