The Supreme Court ordered on Monday, September 7, 2026, the temporary suspension of the license granted to Starlink Senegal to provide fixed satellite internet access services across the national territory.
In its ruling, the high administrative court examined an appeal filed by Sonatel against the authorization issued to Starlink Senegal. Senegal’s incumbent telecommunications operator highlighted that it holds an individual license allowing it to establish and operate public networks and provide electronic communications services.
Sonatel stated that it has paid entrance fees and license royalties totaling 100 billion CFA francs—including 68 billion for concession renewal and 32 billion for new 4G frequencies—alongside 34.5 billion CFA francs for 5G access. The operator emphasized its strict regulatory burdens, including universal service obligations, coverage mandates, network continuity, quality of service standards, and contributions to the Telecommunications Universal Service Development Fund (FDSUT).
The legal challenge began on March 10, 2026, when Sonatel submitted an administrative appeal to the Minister of Communication, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy. The appeal contested Decree No. 038974, issued on November 6, 2025, which granted Starlink Senegal SUARL—a subsidiary of SpaceX—a renewable five-year license to operate fixed satellite internet services.
According to court filings, Starlink's authorization was issued under the government's "New Deal Technologique" program. Sonatel challenged the regulatory conditions of the licensing alongside announced state plans to purchase 5,000 Starlink kits to power community Wi-Fi, cover rural white zones, and connect schools and local authorities.
Following the Minister's rejection of Sonatel's administrative appeal on May 12, 2026, the operator escalated the matter to the Supreme Court. The court ruled that, based on current proceedings, the arguments raised create "serious doubt regarding the legality of the contested decision."
Consequently, the Supreme Court ordered the immediate suspension of the November 6, 2025 decree authorizing Starlink Senegal to deliver satellite internet services nationwide.