Senegal Supreme Court: Starlink License Provisionally Suspended

The Supreme Court of Senegal, on Monday, September 7, ordered the provisional suspension of the license granted to Starlink Sénégal for fixed satellite internet services. This significant legal development stems from an appeal lodged by Sonatel, the historical telecommunications operator, which contested the conditions under which Starlink Sénégal SUARL, a subsidiary of SpaceX, received its authorization. At the heart of the dispute is ministerial decree n°0389974, dated November 6, 2025, signed by the former Minister of Communication, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy, Alioune Sall. This decree had authorized Starlink Sénégal to operate for five years, based on specifications established by the Autorité de régulation des télécommunications et des postes (ARTP). Sonatel's challenge primarily argues that the market opening should account for its substantial investments and the numerous obligations imposed by its concession agreement, asserting its status as a holder of a first-rank individual license.