Sénégal: Kaolack Prosecutes Starlink Illegal Resale Network

• Two men, F. Cissé and F. Kandji, were referred to the prosecutor in Kaolack, Senegal, for illegal Starlink resale.
• They face charges of criminal association and illegal telecommunications activity, following a complaint from Sonatel on August 10, 2026.
• An investigation uncovered an unauthorized network charging 25,000 CFA initial and 10,000 CFA monthly, distributing Starlink connections via cables to multiple concessions.
• Starlink terminals and accessories were seized from the suspects' homes, who admitted providing internet access.
• The ARTP had previously warned in March 2026 about unauthorized community Wi-Fi using Starlink terminals, emphasizing the need for proper authorization.

This case highlights the strict enforcement of telecommunications regulations in Senegal, particularly concerning the distribution of internet services.

Two individuals, F. Cissé and F. Kandji, have been referred to the public prosecutor in Kaolack, Sénégal, facing charges of criminal association and the illegal exercise of a regulated telecommunications activity. The prosecution stems from allegations that they operated an unauthorized network for the resale of Starlink internet connections, causing prejudice to the established telecommunications provider, Sonatel. This case highlights the strict enforcement of telecommunications regulations in Senegal, particularly concerning the distribution of internet services.

The legal proceedings commenced on August 10, 2026, following a formal complaint filed by Sonatel's litigation manager in Kaolack. The complaint specifically targeted the provision of collective internet connections utilizing Starlink equipment without the necessary authorization from the Autorité de régulation des télécommunications et des postes (ARTP). This action underscores the regulatory body's mandate to control and license all internet service provision within the country, making any Starlink distribution non autorisée Sénégal a serious offense.

Investigators from the Section de recherches conducted thorough verifications across several localities, including Mbossé, Mbossé Dara, Mbolougne, and Boulél, all situated within the department of Guinguinéo. Their findings revealed a sophisticated system for the illegal resale of Starlink services. Customers were reportedly charged an initial adhesion fee of 25,000 CFA francs, followed by a monthly subscription of 10,000 CFA francs for access to the unauthorized network.

Further investigation involved searches of the suspects' residences, which led to the seizure of multiple Starlink terminals and associated accessories. The setup involved connecting these installations with cables to distribute a single Starlink connection to numerous concessions, effectively creating a community Wi-Fi service without the requisite ARTP Starlink autorisation Sénégal. This operation represents a clear instance of Kaolack exercice illégal télécommunications, directly competing with licensed providers like Sonatel.

During their auditions, both F. Cissé and F. Kandji admitted to having provided internet access to residents. F. Cissé specifically stated that he conducted his operations in Mbossé. F. Kandji, while acknowledging his involvement in making connections in Mbar, claimed he was unaware that his actions constituted an illegal activity. Despite this assertion, the charges against them remain significant, encompassing both criminal association and the unauthorized provision of telecommunications services.

The two individuals were formally presented to the public prosecutor at the Tribunal de grande instance de Kaolack on August 14, 2026, just four days after Sonatel initiated the complaint. This rapid progression of the case underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating instances of Sénégal Starlink revente illégale poursuite and other violations of telecommunications law.

This enforcement action follows prior warnings issued by the ARTP regarding the unauthorized use of Starlink terminals for commercial purposes. As early as March 2026, the regulatory body had publicly alerted citizens and potential operators about the proliferation of unauthorized community Wi-Fi access points utilizing Starlink equipment. These warnings emphasized that such operations require explicit licensing and compliance with the national réglementation télécoms Sénégal Starlink framework.

The ARTP's proactive stance and the subsequent prosecution of F. Cissé and F. Kandji serve as a potent reminder that all entities providing internet services in Senegal must adhere strictly to the established legal and regulatory requirements. The case against these individuals for Sonatel concurrence illégale Starlink highlights the government's commitment to maintaining a regulated telecommunications market and protecting the interests of authorized operators.

This case serves as a clear warning regarding the strict enforcement of telecommunications regulations in Senegal. Lawyers advising clients on internet service provision or technology deployment must ensure full compliance with ARTP licensing requirements to mitigate significant legal and financial risks, including criminal prosecution for unauthorized operations.

Source: Original reporting via ndarinfo