Starlink Constellation by Elon Musk Sparks Excitement Among Tunisian Internet Users
The official map on starlink.com/fr/map now classifies Tunisia as a "soon to be available" territory, with a launch expected in 2026. This announcement, spotted at the end of January, has generated significant enthusiasm on social media platforms, with numerous screenshots being shared on Reddit and X.
Repeated Delays on Networks
Online discussions are filled with impatience. "From 2023 to 2025, and now 2026... do we still believe it?" ironizes a Tunisian user on Reddit, reflecting the evolution of promised dates by Starlink, which has fueled speculation and annual disappointments. In March 2025, posts already mentioned a launch within three months; today, pre-orders are rekindling hope, particularly for rural areas poorly served by fiber and 4G. Interest is exploding despite the delays, a sign of palpable frustration with current connections.
INTT and Data Sovereignty
The question today concerns the regulatory framework. The National Telecommunications Institute (INTT) has been testing Starlink since 2023, validating its potential during trials in Tunis, and has launched a call for tenders for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. However, the process is stalling, prioritizing 5G and fiber optics in the name of digital sovereignty. Incumbent operators - Tunisie Telecom, Ooredoo, Orange - could integrate LEO via local ground stations or national IP routing, a requirement that Starlink firmly rejects in favor of its direct model.
Towards an Agreement in 2026?
SpaceX had requested authorization as early as January 2023, and a convention seemed to be in the works the following summer. A study launched in March 2025 is still evaluating the satellite deployment. Experts and observers are counting on a possible green light in 2026, conditional on tough negotiations: without compromise on local infrastructure, the launch risks being postponed again. For now, pre-orders invite users to bet on the future - at their own risk.
