Senegal Supreme Court suspends Starlink satellite internet license

The Supreme Court of Senegal has ordered the provisional suspension of Starlink Sénégal’s license to provide fixed satellite internet services. This legal action follows a challenge brought by Sonatel, the country’s historical electronic communications operator.

Sonatel is contesting a ministerial decree from November 2025 that granted the SpaceX subsidiary a five-year authorization to operate satellite internet services under the government’s ‘New Deal Technologique’ program. Sonatel argues that the authorization threatens its economic interests and competitive standing. The operator highlighted its significant financial commitments to the state, totaling approximately 134.5 billion CFA francs in rights and fees for 4G and 5G licenses and concession renewals.

In addition to financial arguments, Sonatel emphasized its obligations regarding universal service, network coverage, and contributions to the Telecommunications Universal Service Development Fund (FDSUT). The dispute also touches upon government plans to acquire 5,000 Starlink kits for community Wi-Fi initiatives.