For years, geography has determined who in Rwanda enjoys fast internet—and who struggles with slow, unreliable connections. That divide could soon narrow significantly after Broadband Systems Corporation (BSC) secured exclusive rights to distribute Starlink services nationwide, unlocking high-speed satellite connectivity for rural schools, health centres, and businesses previously beyond the reach of fibre infrastructure.

The Rwanda-based tech company is growing its contribution to expanding the country’s connectivity landscape, having been authorised as the sole wholesaler of Starlink’s internet in the country since late 2025.

Through Starlink’s satellite internet technology, BSC aims to deliver high-speed, reliable connectivity to citizens, communities, government institutions, and businesses across Rwanda and the region. Starlink is owned by SpaceX, an aerospace company belonging to billionaire Elon Musk.

The service complements Rwanda’s established fibre-optic backbone, enabling better internet access even in remote areas where traditional infrastructure is limited. With this authorisation, BSC – established in 2010 – strengthens its commitment to upgrading Rwanda’s digital infrastructure, ensuring dependable connectivity for both residential and enterprise users.

It has been an ISP since 2010. Prior to being an ISP, it was mandated to build the national fiber backbone which was between 2008 and 2009. By 2010, it had been completed and the firm transitioned into an ISP.

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Leveraging Starlink to extend high-speed internet access beyond Rwanda’s fibre backbone

BSC, which has delivered satellite services since 2012, upgraded to Starlink technology after it officially launched in Rwanda in February 2023.. The low-earth-orbit satellite system enhances connectivity in underserved rural areas, supporting education, business growth, and digital inclusion.

Ndoli Mitali, the Chief Commercial Officer at Broadband Systems Corporation, explained that Starlink operates more than 9,000 small, low-earth-orbit satellites.

"Because these satellites orbit much closer to Earth than traditional satellites, they significantly reduce latency and improve user experience,” he said. This allows Reliable fiber-like connectivity even in areas with limited fiber infrastructure.

"When we measure latency, for example, when loading a Google page, traditional satellite internet used to take around 600 milliseconds. With Starlink, latency is about 20 milliseconds,” he said, pointing out that people in remote areas often rely on satellites due to the lack of alternatives and the high cost of infrastructure deployment.

Increasing uptake, helping digitisation of diagnostic processes in health facilities

Following the resellership authorisation, Mitali said BSC, which has over 1,800 schools connected to fibre and 1,400 connected to 4G, has used Starlink to reach areas where it can now provide a similar connectivity experience.

He projected that within 12 months, Starlink connections could account for about 20 per cent of BSC’s total client base, up from 5 per cent recorded in the first two months after authorisation.

"At BSC, it is no longer a challenge to determine how we can reach certain areas to deliver quality service. We use Starlink to provide a fibre-like experience,” he explained.

So far, he said, the firm has connected more than 50 health centres in districts such as Rulindo, Gakenke, and Musanze.

"Since deploying Starlink, we have seen improvements in service delivery, to the extent that some facilities are moving toward the digitisation of diagnostic

processes. They are increasingly reliant on the internet, and this is only possible because we have been able to provide high-speed connectivity,” he said.

The improvements in health facilities highlight the broader developmental impact of expanded internet access, particularly in sectors that rely on real-time data and digital systems.

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Starlink packages target SMEs, enterprises and social sectors

With the authorisation to distribute Starlink services, BSC provides first-level customer support similar to global Starlink standards. The service targets enterprises and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which account for more than 90 per cent of businesses in Rwanda. However, only about 35 per cent of businesses are currently connected to reliable internet, leaving significant room for growth.

"In the next two months, we will launch SME products under Starlink. On average, customers will pay approximately Rwf1,000 per Mbps. For instance, packages offering speeds above 100 Mbps will cost around Rwf110,000 per month. We believe this will significantly impact a market segment that has long struggled to balance connectivity needs with budget constraints,” he explained.

"Additionally, we are introducing a transformative product under Starlink targeting the health, education, and community sectors, including ECD centres, youth centres, and community centres. This package, known as the Impact Plan, will offer speeds of up to 300 Mbps at Rwf156,000 per month,” he said.

"In the enterprise sector, for entities already connected to BSC fibre, we are exploring ways to integrate Starlink into their existing portfolios. For those not connected to BSC’s fibre network, we provide Starlink as a backup solution that automatically activates whenever the primary internet connection experiences downtime or degradation,” he added.

Mitali underscored that for SMEs, it's unlimited, and for the health, education, and community sectors, users have up to 5 terabytes available for usage. Benefits include fast and unlimited internet, available nationwide, quick installation, and a free Starlink kit—you only pay for the subscription.

Supporting Rwanda’s broader digital infrastructure

Beyond satellite connectivity, BSC provides Direct Internet Access (DIA) over Fiber and Fixed Wireless, dark fibre, and Fibre VPN solutions for organisations requiring secure private networks. Its infrastructure also supports 4G connectivity via telecom towers, wholesale offerings, cloud services, and data centre operations backed by redundancy systems for uninterrupted availability.

The company also provides email and web hosting, alongside cybersecurity management through its Defenza (Detect, Deter, and Defend) solution, which focuses on identifying, preventing, and responding to threats while safeguarding client networks. BSC also undertakes IT project management and implementation.

Mitali added that BSC has played a major role in advancing Rwanda’s digital transformation, aligning closely with the government’s vision of using technology to drive socio-economic development. This innovative spirit, coupled with a customer-focused approach, has allowed the firm to develop solutions that not only meet the needs of Rwandans but empower them to grow.

"We are seeing an increase in headquarters and foreign companies setting up in Rwanda because they can operate efficiently here. For anyone considering opening a business or regional office in Rwanda, internet connectivity is among the least of their concerns,” he said.

"We recently witnessed the visit of American live streamer and YouTuber IShowSpeed, as well as the World Cycling Championship, both of which demonstrated the country’s strong connectivity,” he added.

How to get connected For new subscribers, you can call BSC’s toll-free number: 4141 or visit www.bsc.rw for registration. You can also reach the company through its social media platforms @bscrw by sending a direct message for assistance.