Hope for Harare: Starlink Working On Increasing Capacity Says Elon Musk

Elon Musk confirmed today that Starlink is actively scaling up its network capacity to meet the surging demand in dense urban areas across Africa. The tweet, in response to recent reports of Starlink reaching network limits in cities in Africa, suggests that SpaceX is prioritizing coverage expansion for African hotspots. Musk reassured users that the company is working “as fast as possible,” to provide more capacity.

In places like Harare, where Starlink rapidly hit capacity limits, this news indicates that expanded service is in the works.. Demand for reliable, high-speed internet has exploded in African capitals, where traditional ISPs have struggled to keep pace with users’ needs. Starlink’s rapid rise as a sought-after solution reflects this. But the result has been waitlists and paused sign-ups as the satellite network reaches capacity.

Demand Outpacing Supply in African Cities

Harare’s “sold out” status earlier this month was a milestone for Starlink but also a signal of its limitations. While the service met a clear need, it was also stretched thin, mirroring experiences in other major African cities. For users eager to ditch unreliable connections, Starlink’s consistent speeds were a game-changer but a game with limited seats.

Musk’s comments bring some relief, signaling that SpaceX is addressing the network bottlenecks. The company’s next steps likely include launching more satellites to boost urban coverage and further optimizing the existing network for high-demand regions.

For now, city-based customers remain on waitlists, but Musk’s remarks offer hope that the company’s swift expansion will help meet demand sooner than later. Until then, Starlink’s hold on new sign-ups underscores the ongoing challenge of scaling satellite internet for urban Africa.

If Starlink can keep up with the demand, the service could cement itself as a core option in Africa’s digital landscape. Until then, local ISPs may face some pressure to address the demand that Starlink’s capacity limits have so clearly highlighted.