Inside the Struggle for Internet Access in Western Sahara: From Political Blackouts to Satellite Lifelines
Western Sahara had about 398,000 internet users in January 2024, covering 67.1% of the population, up 19% from 2023. Median fixed broadband speed reached 19.9 Mbps, a 30% annual increase. Most users are urban; rural and nomadic areas remain largely offline. Connectivity relies on Moroccan operators, with Starlink and OneWeb set for future expansion pending regulatory approval.