Starlink enters Uganda’s enterprise market

Starlink satellite internet has entered Uganda’s enterprise market following a partnership between Roke Telkom and Paratus Uganda Ltd, the authorised Starlink reseller in the country.

The partnership is expected to provide businesses and institutions with an alternative source of high-speed, low-latency internet, particularly in areas where conventional fibre and wireless networks remain limited.

The service uses Starlink’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology to provide internet connectivity in locations that may be difficult or costly to reach using traditional infrastructure.

Paratus Uganda Country Manager Edwin Kyambadde said the partnership would help address some of the connectivity challenges faced by businesses whose operations depend heavily on reliable internet access.

“This is an important milestone for connectivity in Uganda because we are now able to address some of the gaps that businesses have continued to face, while also giving them another option to strengthen their existing connectivity,” Kyambadde said.

He said the companies would focus on understanding the specific requirements of individual customers rather than simply selling internet connectivity.

“We want to understand what the customer is trying to achieve, where they operate and what their network requires, and then design a solution that works for them. Starlink gives us another powerful tool to do that,” he said.

The enterprise service will target organisations operating across several locations, as well as businesses and institutions operating in areas where conventional networks are unavailable or inadequate.

Among the sectors expected to benefit are construction and infrastructure, agriculture, tourism and hospitality, mining, education, healthcare, non-governmental organisations and government agencies.

Tourism operators, for instance, could use satellite connectivity to provide internet services at lodges and hospitality facilities located in remote destinations.

In education and healthcare, improved connectivity could facilitate remote learning, access to digital resources, telemedicine and the sharing of information between facilities.

The technology could also be used in mobile settings, including buses, taxis and other platforms where internet connectivity is required while on the move.

Roke Telkom chief executive officer Peter Muhumuza said the partnership comes at a time when businesses are demanding more integrated digital services.

“Roke has spent the last 20 years building connectivity solutions for Ugandans, and as we mark that milestone, we are excited to be entering this next chapter with technologies that allow us to serve our customers in new ways,” Muhumuza said.

He said businesses increasingly require connectivity that works alongside other digital services, including cybersecurity and cloud computing.

“Connectivity on its own is no longer enough for businesses. What businesses need is connectivity that works within their wider operations, whether that means integrating their networks, strengthening cybersecurity or connecting them to cloud services,” Muhumuza said.

Under the partnership, Roke and Paratus will combine Starlink connectivity with enterprise services such as network integration, cybersecurity and cloud solutions.

The companies said this would enable businesses to develop connectivity packages tailored to their locations, network requirements and budgets.

Paratus Group Holdings operates telecommunications services across 16 African countries, while Roke Telkom has been operating in Uganda for 20 years.

The partners said the combination of Paratus’ international telecommunications experience and Roke’s local infrastructure and market knowledge would allow customers to receive local technical support and billing.

Kyambadde said the local support was an important component of the partnership.

“The strength of this partnership is the combination of global capability and local heritage. Paratus brings international telecommunications experience and access to technologies such as Starlink, while Roke brings 20 years of experience in the Ugandan market and the infrastructure and support needed to serve customers locally,” he said.

Although Starlink’s residential services are already available to Ugandan consumers, Paratus Uganda said its initial focus would be on the enterprise and business market.

The target customers include organisations with operations in multiple locations and those seeking to strengthen connectivity across their networks.

The launch comes as Uganda continues to expand its digital infrastructure, with businesses increasingly relying on internet connectivity for communication, financial transactions, cloud-based services and access to digital platforms.

Muhumuza said Roke’s partnership with Paratus was part of the company’s response to the changing demands of Uganda’s digital economy.

“Twenty years ago, the connectivity conversation was very different. Today, businesses expect to be connected wherever they operate and to have that connectivity work seamlessly with the rest of their digital infrastructure,” he said.

The partners said businesses seeking to establish, strengthen or extend their connectivity would be able to engage Roke and Paratus to assess their requirements and determine suitable Starlink-enabled solutions.

They said satellite connectivity could provide businesses with greater flexibility in connecting offices, employees and operations, particularly in areas where terrestrial infrastructure remains limited.

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