Summary:

As of mid-January 2023, American spacecraft manufacturer SpaceX was reportedly working with Tunisian regulators to receive authorization to operate in rural areas of Tunisia. SpaceX did not comment on the potential deal with the Tunisian government. SpaceX plans to offer broadband internet globally via Starlink by 2027, leveraging a constellation of thousands of low-orbit satellites still in the process of being deployed.

Outlook:  

The details of the license indicate that the Tunisian government is intent on protecting the existing broadband internet market from competition from Starlink. However, additional options for citizens and businesses operating in rural settings would be a positive initial step for Tunisia and could prepare the market for evolution in the future as global pricing and service expectations continue to evolve. While several projects are in process that could benefit the quality of Tunisian internet service, speeds and customer experience continue to lag, creating a market primed for disruption if regulators prove amenable.

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