Chelsea Group was proud to facilitate a recent landmark moment for Somalia’s digital future. On 13 April 2025, representatives from the Somali Government and Starlink (a division of SpaceX) gathered at Chelsea Village Hotel in Mogadishu to sign Starlink’s Internet Service Provider (ISP) license – a development that expands the country’s access to high-speed, resilient satellite internet infrastructure.
Representatives from Starlink/SpaceX and Somalia’s National Communications Authority mark Starlink’s launch in Somalia. Image courtesy of NCA
A strategic leap in national connectivity
Somalia has made great strides in expanding its digital infrastructure, yet internet access remains inconsistent – especially outside urban centres. The country’s reliance on undersea fibre-optic cables, such as EASSy and DARE1, has provided a foundation but also exposed Somalia to frequent outages due to cable breaks or sabotage.
Starlink’s arrival adds a much-needed backup to Somalia’s existing internet infrastructure. By using a constellation of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, Starlink can deliver fast, reliable internet even in regions with no ground infrastructure. For Somalia, where rural and remote communities are often left out of digital expansion, this represents a meaningful shift.
The ISP license was granted by the National Communications Authority of Somalia (NCA), whose leadership views this agreement as a cornerstone of a broader national digital inclusion strategy. In public statements, officials highlighted the deal’s potential to enable access to digital education, government services, and economic opportunities at scale.
A trusted hub for high-stakes engagement
Chelsea Village Hotel – Chelsea Group’s secure accommodation and conferencing hub – was selected as the venue for the historic launch signing. Due to its integrated infrastructure and long-standing reputation as a trusted base of operations in Mogadishu, Chelsea Village is chosen by diplomatic, humanitarian, and private-sector actors for a full suite of accommodation and life support services
Chelsea Village Hotel brings together:
- Secure, ISO-certified accommodation with WHO-standard potable water
- Flexible, modern conference centres equipped for high-level engagements
- On-site medical support via Medical Support Solutions
- 24/7 protection and early warning systems via Hart Nationwide
“Chelsea Group exists to make the difficult possible: to create the conditions for progress, even in complex settings. We provide a secure, operational environment where future-focused decisions like this can take shape. We’re proud to support initiatives that move Somalia forward.” – Alexander Bethell, COO of Chelsea Group.
For 25 years, Chelsea Group has operated in Somalia, enabling governments, multilateral agencies, and NGOs to achieve mission-critical goals in fragile and post-conflict environments. This longevity reflects deep operational experience and a commitment to working in-country, not just with it.
Ryan Goodnight and Micaela Pawlak of Starlink/SpaceX with Starlink’s new license agreement, signed at Chelsea Village Hotel. Image courtesy of NCA Somalia.
Supporting digital and national resilience in Somalia
Hosting the Starlink ISP license signing highlights the vital role that physical infrastructure plays in enabling digital transformation. Beyond strong satellite technology, secure and functional ground environments, such as those provided by Chelsea Village Hotel, remain essential for successful implementation.
This event also reinforces Chelsea Group’s role as an actor for progress, offering scalable support to clients who need more than logistics; they need a reliable ecosystem. As the only hotel in Somalia with a private sense-and-warn security system, Chelsea Village Hotel offers confidence to those working at the intersection of diplomacy, development, and innovation.
The significance of this agreement extends far beyond internet access. It speaks to Somalia’s ambition and the growing confidence of global companies in operating here – and to the trusted parties that make it possible.
Learn more about how Chelsea Group supports international development, private sector growth, and peacebuilding in fragile environments. For secure conferencing and accommodation in Mogadishu, discover Chelsea Village Hotel.
