Starlink Hits Capacity in Gaborone: New Subscribers Wait for Expansion. Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by SpaceX, has reached full capacity in Gaborone, Botswana. As of January 2025, the company has stopped accepting new subscriptions in the capital city, with many potential customers now on a waiting list for future availability.
Starlink’s expansion into Botswana, which began in 2022, was highly anticipated due to the country’s need for reliable, high-speed internet in both urban and rural areas. The service has been particularly popular in Gaborone, where residents and businesses were seeking an alternative to traditional broadband options that often suffer from limited speed and coverage.
According to local reports, Starlink’s success in Gaborone comes as no surprise given the demand for quality internet services in the region. The satellite-based network, which provides internet access in even the most remote areas, had initially gained traction by offering faster and more reliable connections compared to existing internet providers. With its affordability and ease of setup, it quickly became a popular choice for those frustrated with slower internet speeds.
However, with Gaborone’s high demand for Starlink, the service has now reached its subscription capacity in the city. This means that no new customers in Gaborone can currently access the service until Starlink increases its local capacity.
Starlink representatives have indicated that they are working to expand the service and increase available bandwidth in Gaborone. In the meantime, potential subscribers in the city will need to wait for updates regarding when the service will be available again. For residents outside Gaborone, Starlink is still accepting new subscriptions in other areas of Botswana, where the demand has not yet reached capacity.
The satellite internet service has revolutionized connectivity for many businesses, households, and remote areas in Botswana, offering the promise of faster, more reliable internet and contributing to the country’s digital transformation. Starlink’s expansion plans in Gaborone and beyond are expected to play a key role in closing the digital divide in Southern Africa.
