Introduction

Somalia’s internet landscape has evolved rapidly from near-isolation to growing connectivity. In the past, decades of civil conflict and minimal infrastructure left Somalia largely offline. Today, internet access is increasingly recognized as vital for economic recovery, social development, and security. Mobile networks and new fiber-optic links now connect millions of Somalis to the digital world, enabling mobile money, e-learning, and e-government services. However, Somalia’s internet penetration remains relatively low and uneven, highlighting both the progress made and the challenges ahead​ pulse.internetsociety.org​ pulse.internetsociety.org. This report examines the current state of internet access in Somalia – including broadband, mobile, and satellite – and explores the key challenges, initiatives, and future prospects for connectivity in the country.

Current State of Internet Access

Internet Penetration and Usage: As of early 2024, there were about 5.08 million internet users in Somalia, representing an internet penetration rate of 27.6% of the population​ datareportal.com​ datareportal.com. This marks a significant increase from only a few years ago (for reference, penetration was around 2% in 2017). Despite this growth, roughly three-quarters of Somalis – over 13 million people – remain offline​ datareportal.com. Internet use is concentrated in urban areas (major cities like Mogadishu and Hargeisa), while connectivity in rural and remote regions is far more limited. The digital landscape is dominated by mobile internet access, as fixed broadband infrastructure is scarce. Average mobile download speeds hover around 17 Mbps, which, while modest, enable basic broadband services for users​ pulse.internetsociety.org. By contrast, traditional fixed-line broadband is virtually absent for residential consumers – only about 1% of Somalis have a fixed internet subscription (via DSL, cable, or fixed wireless), reflecting the country’s heavy reliance on wireless solutions​ worlddata.info.

Mobile Broadband Availability: Mobile networks are the primary source of internet access in Somalia. There were 10.10 million cellular mobile connections active in early 2024 (including many users with multiple SIMs), equivalent to about 54.8% of the population​ datareportal.com. Several operators provide 3G/4G mobile data services across different regions. 4G LTE coverage reaches roughly 50–60% of the population​ worlddata.info​ pulse.internetsociety.org, mainly in and around cities and towns. In recent years, operators have also begun rolling out 5G in major urban centers: by late 2024, at least three telecom companies had launched initial 5G services​ budde.com.au. For example, Hormuud Telecom (the largest operator) announced plans to extend 5G coverage to 70% of Somalia’s population in 2024–2025​ bnnbloomberg.ca. While next-generation networks are emerging, 3G and 4G remain the backbone of connectivity for most users. Notably, Somalia’s mobile data prices are relatively low by African standards – averaging about $0.50 per GB – thanks to competition and efficient mobile money payment systems​ bnnbloomberg.ca. This has helped drive adoption, although low incomes still constrain affordability for many (addressed in the Challenges section).

Broadband and Fiber Infrastructure: Somalia’s fixed broadband infrastructure is nascent but improving. The country now has several submarine fiber-optic cables landing on its shores, which has dramatically increased international bandwidth. Currently, five major undersea cables (EASSy, DARE-1, G2A, 2Africa, and PEACE) have landing stations in Somalia​ datacenterdynamics.com. These cables, coming online mostly since 2013, connect Somalia to global internet hubs via Djibouti, Kenya, and the Middle East. Domestic fiber backbones are gradually extending between cities – for instance, Hormuud Telecom has laid fiber links connecting Mogadishu to other key cities​ bnnbloomberg.ca. As a result, internet capacity and speeds have improved in urban centers. However, fixed last-mile broadband to homes or businesses remains very limited (often confined to large organizations or internet cafés). Only about 1% of the population has a high-speed fixed connection (>256 kbps), as most households rely instead on mobile broadband or community Wi-Fi hubs​ worlddata.info. The ongoing expansion of fiber networks and data centers (including new solar-powered data centers built by Hormuud​ bnnbloomberg.ca) is expected to enhance broadband availability in the coming years.

Satellite Internet Availability: Given the sparse terrestrial infrastructure, satellite internet has long played a role in Somalia’s connectivity, especially in remote areas and during the years before fiber arrival​ qz.com. Traditional satellite links (VSAT) have been used by businesses, NGOs, and government offices to get online where no fiber or mobile network exists. However, such legacy GEO satellite services are expensive and have high latency, limiting their use. Recently, newer satellite technologies are gaining attention. In the 2010s, Somali telecoms in Somaliland and Puntland partnered with O3b Networks (now part of SES) to use medium-Earth orbit (MEO) satellitesthat provide low-latency broadband backhaul​ satelliteprome.com​ satelliteprome.com. For example, Somtel contracted substantial O3b capacity to improve its 3G/4G network, given the lack of domestic fiber at the time​ satelliteprome.com. Such satellite backhaul helped increase internet capacity in the country before the submarine cables were in place. Consumer satellite internet is still in its infancy – until recently there was no widespread satellite broadband service for ordinary users. That is starting to change with the emergence of low-Earth orbit (LEO) providers like Starlink (SpaceX). In 2023, Starlink signaled interest in operating in Somalia and began engaging with regulators (see Satellite Internet in Somalia section). As licensing and infrastructure for LEO constellations progress, satellite internet could become a more significant complement to mobile networks, especially for Somalia’s vast rural and nomadic populations.

Major Internet Service Providers: Somalia’s telecom and internet market is served by a mix of privately owned operators that often provide integrated mobile, broadband, and telephony services. The market is competitive but led by a few key players. According to 2025 data, the top ISPs by market share (measured by share of internet users or subscriptions) are​ pulse.internetsociety.org:

• Hormuud Telecom – ~47% market share. Hormuud is the largest telecom operator, based in Mogadishu and operating across south-central Somalia. It serves roughly 4 million customers (about one-fifth of the population)​ bnnbloomberg.caand offers mobile, broadband, and mobile money services.
• Telesom – ~13% share. A major provider in the self-declared Republic of Somaliland (northwest Somalia), headquartered in Hargeisa, offering mobile and ISP services in that region.
• Golis Telecom – ~13% share. A leading operator in Puntland (northeastern Somalia), providing mobile and internet services in cities like Bosaso and Garowe.
• Somtel – ~12% share. A country-wide operator (part of the Dahabshiil Group) that started in Somaliland but now spans all regions (including Mogadishu). Somtel offers mobile voice/data and was an early adopter of 4G and satellite backhaul.
• Others: Smaller ISPs and telecoms make up the remaining market (roughly 15%). These include companies like Telcom (Amtel), Somlink, and Somnet, which operate in specific regions or niche markets​ prepaid-data-sim-card.fandom.com. Many of these were officially licensed for the first time in 2022 as Somalia established its regulatory framework​ prepaid-data-sim-card.fandom.com.

It’s worth noting that until recently, each region had its own dominant provider, and interconnection between networks was lacking. Now, with regulatory efforts (discussed later), all major operators are interconnected and collectively expanding services. Overall, Somalia’s current internet landscape can be summarized as mobile-centric, rapidly improving in urban areas, but still facing gaps in rural connectivity and fixed broadband penetration.

Challenges in Internet Access

Despite recent gains, Somalia faces significant challenges in achieving broad, affordable internet access for all its citizens. Key obstacles include:

• Infrastructure Limitations: Decades of conflict destroyed much of Somalia’s telecommunications infrastructure, and rebuilding has been slow outside major cities. Fixed-line infrastructure is minimal, and even mobile towers and fiber backbones are sparse in rural districts. Power supply is another constraint – frequent electricity outages and the high cost of diesel generators make running telecom equipment difficult​ prepaid-data-sim-card.fandom.com. International connectivity has improved with submarine cables, but it remains fragile. For example, in 2017 a single undersea cable cut knocked out internet nationwide for three weeks, underscoring the lack of redundancy at the time​ hornobserver.com. While new cables are coming online, maintaining diverse and resilient links is an ongoing challenge. Additionally, security threats have directly targeted telecom infrastructure: the militant group Al-Shabaab has at times banned internet services in areas under its control and even deliberately destroyed cell towers and telecom facilities​ datacenterdynamics.com​ qz.com. This insecurity deters investment in networks, especially in rural and south-central regions. Overall, the physical infrastructure for internet in Somalia – from electricity and fiber to cell towers – is still underdeveloped, particularly outside urban centers.
• High Costs and Affordability: The cost of internet service relative to income is a major barrier for many Somalis. On paper, mobile data in Somalia is cheap (as noted, around $0.50 per GB in 2024)​ bnnbloomberg.ca, but the average income is extremely low. A standard mobile internet package (including voice, SMS, ~2 GB data) costs about 5.1% of average monthly income in Somalia​ pulse.internetsociety.org. By comparison, the global affordability target set by the UN is for 1 GB of data to cost no more than 2% of monthly income – Somalia is well above this threshold. The situation is even tougher in rural areas, where people often have lower cash incomes and might need to rely on more expensive alternatives (like satellite links or travelling to towns to get connectivity). Device affordability is another aspect: smartphones (needed to fully utilize the internet) are out of reach for some Somalis, though an increasing number of low-cost Android phones are available via mobile money financing. The high relative cost means that even where coverage exists, not everyone can get online. This usage gap – people living under a network signal but not using it – remains a challenge. Reducing service prices, introducing cheaper data bundles, and improving income levels (through broader economic growth) are all needed to make internet truly affordable to the majority.
• Rural vs. Urban Disparities: There is a stark digital divide between Somalia’s cities and its rural, often nomadic, communities. Urban residents benefit from competing telecom providers, 4G (and now 5G) networks, and a growing fiber backbone. In contrast, many rural areas have either only 2G voice coverage or no reliable network at all. Nationally, about half the population lives in rural areas​ datareportal.com, but their share of internet users is far below half. In fact, internet access in Somalia is heavily skewed toward urban centers – Mogadishu alone accounts for a large portion of the country’s data traffic. This rural-urban gap is reflected in general African trends: urban Africans are about three to four times more likely to be online than rural Africans, due to better coverage and infrastructure​ documents1.worldbank.org​ documents1.worldbank.org. In Somalia, remote villages often lack the electricity and telecom towers needed for connectivity, and the low population density makes it less attractive for operators to invest. The result is that many rural Somalis are effectively cut off from the internet, exacerbating inequalities in access to information, digital services, and economic opportunities. Bridging this gap will require targeted efforts such as rural network expansion, community internet centers, and possibly greater use of satellite/alternative technologies to reach remote users.
• Regulatory and Policy Barriers: For many years, Somalia had no central government authority to regulate telecoms – the sector grew in a fragmented, uncoordinated way since the state collapse in 1991. This led to issues like lack of interoperability (each carrier ran its own system), spectrum conflicts, and absence of consumer protections. A National Communications Law was finally passed in October 2017 to establish a legal and regulatory framework​ budde.com.au. The National Communications Authority (NCA) was formed to license operators and manage the sector. While progress has been made, regulatory challenges persist. It took until 2022 for major operators to all receive official licenses and until 2023 to implement interconnection among networks (previously, customers of one network often couldn’t call those of another)​ prepaid-data-sim-card.fandom.com. The regulatory environment is still maturing – issues such as quality-of-service standards, fair competition rules, and a universal service strategy for rural areas are being addressed gradually. Another challenge is navigating the federal structure and regional authorities: Somaliland and Puntland have their own telecom regulations and companies, which the federal NCA must accommodate. Coordination between federal and regional bodies is needed to ensure seamless national networks. Finally, policy enforcement can be difficult in parts of the country still affected by conflict or controlled by insurgents (who, as noted, may impose their own bans or rules). In summary, Somalia’s policy framework for ICT is improving but remains a work in progress, and further reforms will be necessary to create an inviting environment for investment and to protect consumers’ interests.

Satellite Internet in Somalia

Satellite internet has a unique and increasingly important role in Somalia’s connectivity mix, given the country’s geography and infrastructure gaps.

Role and Significance: Historically, when Somalia lacked fiber-optic links to the global internet, satellite was the only option for connectivity. Through the 1990s and 2000s, dial-up and VSAT (very small aperture terminal) satellite connections were used by embassies, NGOs, and early internet cafés​ qz.com. Even today, satellite links provide critical backup and reach remote areas beyond the mobile network footprint. For a country with a long coastline and vast rural interiors, satellites can beam internet where terrestrial cables or microwave links can’t economically reach. They also add redundancy – for instance, after the 2017 undersea cable outage, organizations with VSAT backup could stay online while the rest of the country was dark. In humanitarian emergencies or in isolated communities, satellite remains a lifeline for communication. However, older satellite services via geostationary satellites (such as Intelsat or Thuraya) suffered from high latency (600+ ms) and high costs, making real-time applications difficult and pricing out most consumers. This is changing with new satellite technologies: medium-earth orbit and low-earth orbit systems greatly reduce latency and potentially cost, making satellite broadband more viable for mainstream use in Somalia.

Emerging Providers (Starlink, SES, etc.): In recent years, Somalia has drawn interest from global satellite internet providers. Starlink, the LEO satellite network operated by SpaceX, is poised to expand coverage to Somalia. In March 2023, Starlink representatives held talks with Somalia’s National Communications Authority and expressed interest in obtaining an operating license​ hornobserver.com. The NCA welcomed the prospect, noting Starlink’s potential to connect remote Somali communities, but emphasized that the company must go through the official licensing process​ hornobserver.com. As of early 2025, Starlink service in Somalia is still pending regulatory approval. Nevertheless, anticipation is high – Starlink’s high-throughput, low-latency internet (20–50 ms latency) could be a game-changer for rural schools, businesses, and consumers who currently have no access or rely on patchy 2G signals. Some reports in 2023 indicated that Starlink was already testing in Somalia via a “public beta” and seeing enthusiastic responses from users​ hiiraan.com, but full commercial deployment awaits formal go-ahead. Besides Starlink, SES (which operates the O3b MEO satellites) has long provided capacity to Somali telcos. As noted, Somtel in Somaliland signed a multi-year deal for O3b satellite bandwidth to boost its network​ satelliteprome.com, and other operators like Hormuud have also utilized O3b beams to extend connectivity in southern regions​ talksatellite.com. OneWeb, another LEO constellation (now merged with Eutelsat), is also aiming to cover the Horn of Africa, which could include Somalia in the near future. Additionally, regional satellite providers such as Thuraya and Yahsat offer satellite phone and limited data services in Somalia – these are used by NGOs, journalists, and remote outposts for basic internet connectivity and voice calls. The entrance of LEO broadband providers is expected to increase competition and fill coverage gaps, as these satellites can deliver broadband to any spot with a clear view of the sky.

Adoption Rates and Use Cases: Currently, the adoption of satellite internet by the general Somali population is very low – it is mostly enterprises or institutions that directly use satellite links. The typical user is more likely to connect via a mobile network. However, that could change as costs come down and availability increases. Use cases for satellite internet in Somalia include: connecting rural communities (e.g. setting up a Wi-Fi hotspot in a village with a satellite terminal backhaul), equipping schools or health clinics in remote districts with broadband for e-learning or telemedicine, providing emergency communications for disaster relief or in conflict zones, and offering redundancy for businesses that cannot afford downtime (a satellite link can serve as a backup to terrestrial broadband). For nomadic pastoralists who roam outside cellular coverage, portable satellite devices could enable connectivity on the move. As of 2025, pilot projects are being considered to deploy community internet centers using satellite in some underserved regions. The government and partners see satellites as a complement, not a replacement, to ground networks – the idea is to “leapfrog” connectivity gaps and then integrate satellite-covered areas with terrestrial networks over time.

Challenges for Satellite Internet: While promising, satellite internet in Somalia faces a few challenges. Cost is a major factor – a Starlink kit (dish and router) costs several hundred dollars plus a monthly fee near $100, which is prohibitive for most households. Even if bandwidth is ample, financing models (perhaps community sharing or donor subsidies) will be needed to make it accessible to average Somalis. There are also regulatory and logistical hurdles: the government must establish rules for satellite spectrum use and importing equipment. Antennas could become targets in conflict areas if seen as strategic communication tools. Additionally, satellites require reliable power and maintenance – solar panels and batteries would be needed in off-grid villages to run the terminals. Training local technicians to install and troubleshoot satellite equipment will also be important for sustainable use. Finally, awareness is an issue; many rural communities might not immediately trust or understand satellite internet, so outreach and digital literacy efforts must accompany any deployment. Despite these challenges, the consensus is that satellite broadband can significantly accelerate Somalia’s internet inclusion, especially in the hard-to-reach corners of the country. The coming years are likely to see a mix of satellite and terrestrial solutions working in tandem to extend Somalia’s connectivity footprint.

Government Policies and Initiatives

The Somali government and its partners have recognized that improving internet access is crucial for national development, and they have started several policies and initiatives to foster the ICT sector:

• Telecom Regulatory Framework: The foundation was laid by the National Communications Act of 2017, which for the first time in over two decades provided a legal framework for telecommunications. This law enabled the creation of the National Communications Authority (NCA), which became operational in 2018–2019​ budde.com.au. The NCA has since been working to bring order to the previously unregulated sector. Key achievements include issuing unified licenses to major operators in 2022​ prepaid-data-sim-card.fandom.comand facilitating an industry-wide interconnection agreement. In 2022, after extensive consultations, all leading telecom companies agreed to interconnect their networks (sharing traffic and allowing cross-network calls), with the agreement coming into force in January 2023​ prepaid-data-sim-card.fandom.com. This was a milestone that ended the era of isolated networks and improved the consumer experience nationwide. The NCA has also allocated spectrum bands (700 MHz, 1800 MHz, 3.5 GHz, etc.) to operators for 4G and 5G services​ prepaid-data-sim-card.fandom.com. Efforts are ongoing to strengthen SIM registration rules, enforce quality-of-service benchmarks, and update laws to address cybersecurity and data protection as internet usage grows.
• Digital Inclusion Policy: In January 2025, Somalia’s Cabinet officially endorsed a Digital Inclusion Policy aimed at bridging the digital divide​ ftlsomalia.com. This landmark policy focuses on making the internet accessible and beneficial to marginalized groups – including women, rural communities, youth, and persons with disabilities. The policy’s goals include: improving access to affordable and reliable internet services (e.g. exploring subsidies or public access points), promoting digital literacy and skills training across the population, expanding ICT infrastructure to underserved areas, and ensuring that digital services (e-government, digital payments, etc.) are usable by all citizens​ ftlsomalia.com​ ftlsomalia.com. By addressing barriers such as cost, lack of local content, and low literacy, the government hopes to increase the meaningful use of internet among disadvantaged segments. The Digital Inclusion Policy also encourages collaboration with the private sector and international donors to fund connectivity projects (for example, setting up telecenters or community Wi-Fi in rural towns). This initiative is part of Somalia’s broader strategy to leverage technology for economic and social development, seeing internet access as a right and a necessity in the modern world.
• ICT Infrastructure Investments: The federal government, often with support from international partners, has been investing in critical ICT infrastructure. With funding from the World Bank and other donors, Somalia has engaged in projects to extend the national fiber-optic backbone and to connect government institutions. One such program is the ICT Sector Support Project, which in its second phase helped connect tertiary educational institutions to broadband and supported the deployment of government fiber networks in Mogadishu and other cities. Regionally, Somalia is part of the World Bank’s Eastern Africa Digital Integration initiatives, which aim to build cross-border fiber links (for instance, linking Somalia’s network with Ethiopia and Kenya) and improve regional internet exchange points. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has also been active – in 2024 the NCA partnered with IFC to develop a framework for submarine cable licensing and investment, to encourage more cable landings and competition in international connectivity​ datacenterdynamics.com​ datacenterdynamics.com. On the domestic front, authorities are exploring the establishment of a Universal Service Fund (common in many countries) where telecom operators contribute a portion of revenue to finance rural telecommunications projects. Moreover, recognizing the importance of local infrastructure, the government welcomes initiatives like Hormuud’s new data centers and content caching facilities, which keep internet traffic local for better performance.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Somalia’s government has frequently highlighted the critical role of the private sector in rebuilding the telecom industry. Nearly all telecom infrastructure in Somalia has been financed and built by private companies in the absence of a strong government. To continue this momentum, the government is pursuing public-private partnerships (PPPs) to expand connectivity. For example, in some regions local authorities have provided land or security guarantees for operators to erect towers in exchange for coverage commitments. There are also partnerships with international tech companies – such as deals with Facebook/Meta to land the 2Africa submarine cable in Somalia​ datacenterdynamics.com, and with private firms like Vertiv to build modern cable landing stations​ datacenterdynamics.com. Another area of PPP is in digital government services: the government works with Somali tech startups and ISPs to roll out e-government portals that the public can access online (like e-tax payment systems and digital ID pilots). These efforts underscore a recognition that government alone cannot build the internet ecosystem – a collaborative approach is needed, combining government policy support with the innovation and capital of businesses and the aid of development partners.
• Capacity Building and Policy Development: Somalia is actively developing strategies to guide future ICT growth. In 2023, the NCA released a draft 5G Strategy, outlining pathways for nationwide 5G deployment to ensure the country isn’t left behind in emerging technology​ budde.com.au. This strategy considered various models (from auctioning new spectrum to allowing operators to refarm 4G spectrum) to encourage investment in 5G while addressing the digital divide. The government is also working on a National Broadband Plan to coordinate the expansion of high-speed internet infrastructure. According to policy documents, such a plan would set targets for coverage and bandwidth, and align resources to achieve universal access goals​ nca.gov.so. In addition, Somalia has sought expertise from international organizations like the ITU (International Telecommunication Union) for technical assistance on regulatory reform and to benchmark its progress against global best practices. Training programs are being conducted for Somali officials in spectrum management, cybersecurity, and ICT policy. Through these capacity-building initiatives, the government aims to create an enabling environment for internet growth – one that balances innovation and investment with necessary oversight and inclusion.

Future Prospects

The outlook for internet access in Somalia is one of cautious optimism. If current trends hold and planned initiatives materialize, the coming years should see significant improvements in connectivity across the country. Key future prospects include:

• Network Expansion and 5G Rollout: Somalia’s mobile operators are expected to continue expanding their coverage and upgrading technology. 4G coverage will likely extend to more secondary towns and along major roads as companies add base stations. More ambitiously, 5G networks will expand in urban hubs – Hormuud and its rivals plan to introduce 5G beyond pilot zones to cover most of Mogadishu and other big cities, targeting use cases like high-speed home broadband and advanced enterprise services. By the end of this decade, a substantial share of Somalia’s urban population could have access to 5G, which would place Somalia on par with many more developed markets technologically. The government’s supportive stance (through its 5G strategy and spectrum allocations) will facilitate this. In parallel, we can expect new entrants or MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) to possibly enter the market, increasing competition and innovative offerings (for example, data-only broadband providers using fixed wireless access). Fixed broadband might also grow modestly – especially fiber-to-the-home/business in select neighborhoods of Mogadishu or Hargeisa, driven by demand from businesses, tech hubs, and well-off residents. Overall, the next five years should see the internet user base in Somalia continue to grow, potentially reaching 40–50% penetration by mid to late 2020s if trends accelerate.
• Impact of New Submarine Cables: Several high-capacity submarine cables are slated for operation in Somalia soon (some already in testing). The 2Africa cable (led by Meta) is due to go live by 2024/2025 and will dramatically increase international bandwidth coming into Somalia​ datacenterdynamics.com. Likewise, the PEACE cable and Africa-1 cable are planned to land at multiple points (Mogadishu, Berbera, Bosaso, Kismayo), creating a mesh of connectivity that will reduce reliance on any single route​ datacenterdynamics.com. The immediate effect of these cables will be to drive down the wholesale cost of internet bandwidth for Somali ISPs, as supply increases and there is redundancy. In turn, competition should push retail internet prices lower or allow operators to offer larger data bundles for the same price, improving affordability. The increased bandwidth will also enable better quality service – higher speeds and capacity to support data-heavy applications (streaming video, cloud services) even during peak times. Perhaps most critically, the resilience of Somalia’s internet will improve: with multiple cables, an outage in one route (due to a cut or power issue) can be mitigated by traffic shifting to other routes, avoiding nationwide blackouts of the kind experienced in the past. These infrastructure improvements pave the way for Somalia to handle the demands of a modern digital economy and potentially become a connectivity hub in the Horn of Africa (especially with Berbera and Bosaso serving landlocked neighbors like Ethiopia in the future).
• Satellite Broadband Integration: As discussed, LEO satellite constellations like Starlink are on the horizon. In the near future, we can expect Starlink (or similar services) to officially launch in Somalia once licensing is sorted, possibly by 2025 or 2026. When that happens, it could rapidly bring broadband to areas still off the grid. The government may partner with providers to equip schools or local administrations in remote provinces with satellite terminals. Hybrid networks might emerge, where mobile operators integrate satellite backhaul to connect cell towers in far-flung areas instead of relying on costly microwave relays. For instance, an operator could deploy a 4G tower in a remote village and use a Starlink connection to feed it with internet, thus extending the mobile network economically. Satellite phones and data services might also supplement disaster response and military communications, which indirectly supports the civilian internet by maintaining stability. While satellite alone is not a panacea, its integration into the overall network architecture will ensure no community is entirely left out due to geography. The challenge of affordability will remain, but we may see community-based subscription models or international subsidies to fund satellite connectivity in the most underserved locales (e.g. refugee camps, nomadic settlements). In summary, satellites will likely fill the remaining gaps in coverage, contributing to near-universal availability of some form of internet in Somalia’s territory within the next decade.
• Emerging Technologies and Innovation: Somalia’s youthful population (the median age is ~15) provides a large pool of digital natives who can drive demand for and innovation in internet services​ datareportal.com. As connectivity improves, we anticipate a surge in digital entrepreneurship and services. The spread of 4G/5G and broadband will enable new ventures in e-commerce, online education, telehealth, and fintech beyond the already successful mobile money system. Local tech startups, possibly supported by diaspora investment, are poised to create apps and content tailored to Somali users – for example, e-learning platforms in Somali language, agri-tech information services for farmers, and digital marketplaces connecting Somali producers to global buyers. The government’s push towards e-government means citizens might soon access more services (like licenses, registrations) via the web, streamlining governance and increasing demand for internet access. Another prospect is the use of TV white space and other innovative spectrum solutions for rural broadband; pilot projects could repurpose unused broadcast frequencies to deliver wireless internet to villages at low cost. Additionally, community networks (where locals build and maintain their own small ISP with external internet backhaul) might take root in some regions as a bottom-up solution for connectivity. International tech companies might also see opportunity – for instance, if Somalia’s market stabilizes, one could envision companies like Google or Facebook extending their connectivity initiatives (such as high-altitude balloons or drones for internet, or fiber investments) into Somalia. All these emerging trends depend on the improving infrastructure, and if the current trajectory continues, Somalia could see a tech boomlet, following in the footsteps of neighbors like Kenya (often dubbed the “Silicon Savannah”).
• Improving Affordability and Accessibility: A key future goal is to make internet access not just available but affordable and accessible to all Somalis. Several strategies are likely to help achieve this. Firstly, with more ISP competition and abundant bandwidth, prices per GB should fall, allowing more people to use more data. The telecom regulator may explore mandates or incentives for “universal service” offerings – e.g. a basic affordable package for low-income users or free access to certain educational and government websites (zero-rated content). Secondly, the Digital Inclusion Policy’s initiatives in digital literacy will start bearing fruit, as more citizens gain the skills to utilize the internet effectively, increasing demand and usage. Thirdly, local content and services will become more prevalent, which drives adoption – when people see direct relevance (such as Somali-language educational videos, local news sites, or online marketplaces for livestock and crafts), they have more reason to go online. The fact that only 34% of the top websites used in Somalia currently have locally cached copies​ pulse.internetsociety.org​ pulse.internetsociety.orgindicates room for improvement; efforts by companies to place servers in Somalia (for example, Google caching servers or Facebook edge servers installed in local data centers) will make access faster and cheaper (as less international bandwidth is consumed). Lastly, continued international support can improve accessibility – for instance, NGOs working with the government to set up internet access points in every district, or programs that distribute subsidized smartphones to students and entrepreneurs. If these measures are pursued, Somalia could significantly lower its digital inequality. The government’s vision, as stated, is to eventually ensure the internet is “not a luxury but a basic service” available even to those in remote rural areas​ ftlsomalia.com​ allafrica.com. Achieving that will take time, but the direction is set toward a more connected and inclusive society.

In sum, the future of Somalia’s internet is promising. The combination of better infrastructure (fiber + wireless + satellite), supportive policies, and an eager populace suggests that Somalia can leapfrog many intermediate stages and quickly catch up with global digital trends. Challenges like security and poverty cannot be discounted – any regression in security could damage telecom assets, and widespread poverty means market forces alone might not connect everyone. Yet, with sustained efforts, Somalia in the next decade could transform from one of the world’s most digitally isolated nations to a case study in rapid connectivity-driven development.

Conclusion

Somalia’s journey toward universal internet access is well underway, marked by notable progress but also persistent hurdles. In this report, we have seen that internet access in Somalia has grown from near zero to around 28% of the population in the span of a decade​ pulse.internetsociety.org, thanks largely to the proliferation of mobile networks and the landing of undersea fiber-optic cables. Mobile broadband is the cornerstone of connectivity in Somalia, enabling millions to come online via cell phones even in the absence of widespread fixed lines. At the same time, we identified major challenges: inadequate infrastructure (and the need for resilient networks in the face of cuts or sabotage​ hornobserver.com​ datacenterdynamics.com), issues of affordability and digital literacy that leave many Somalis offline despite coverage, deep urban-rural disparities in access, and a still-maturing regulatory environment. Encouragingly, the Somali government and stakeholders are not standing still – they have implemented new policies like the Digital Inclusion Policy to tackle these gaps​ ftlsomalia.com, and are working with international partners to finance and build out critical ICT infrastructure.

Looking ahead, the outlook is optimistic. Satellite internet will likely join fiber and mobile as a key pillar of Somalia’s connectivity, ensuring even the most remote communities can get online​ hornobserver.com​ hornobserver.com. New technologies such as 5G and innovative uses of wireless spectrum promise to increase capacity and unlock advanced services. Perhaps most importantly, there is a growing recognition within Somalia of the internet’s importance – from entrepreneurs using online platforms to expand their businesses, to students in rural areas yearning for the knowledge that connectivity can bring. This momentum, if supported with wise policy and investment, can create a virtuous cycle where better internet access drives economic growth and social development, which in turn provides resources to further expand and improve the network.

In conclusion, Somalia’s internet transformation is at a pivotal stage. To consolidate gains and ensure no one is left behind, a few key recommendations emerge from this analysis: continue investing in diverse infrastructure (including backup links like satellite to avoid single points of failure), focus on affordability (through competitive markets and possibly subsidies for low-income users), prioritize rural connectivity projects (so the benefits of the digital age are shared broadly), and maintain a stable regulatory regime that encourages innovation while protecting consumers. If Somalia can navigate its security challenges and maintain momentum in the telecom sector, it stands poised to leap into a more connected and prosperous future. The internet can be a powerful engine for Somalia’s recovery and growth – connecting its people not only to each other, but to the wider world, and unlocking the country’s full potential in the digital era.

Sources: The information in this report was compiled from a range of up-to-date sources, including data from the Internet Society and World Bank, news reports on Somalia’s telecom developments, and statements from Somali authorities. Key references include the Internet Society’s country indicators for Somalia​ pulse.internetsociety.org​ pulse.internetsociety.org, statistics from DataReportal (Kepios) January 2024 report​ datareportal.com​ datareportal.com, insights from Bloomberg and Reuters on telecom operators​ bnnbloomberg.ca​ bnnbloomberg.ca, and Somali news outlets reporting on policy initiatives and Starlink’s entry​ hornobserver.com​ ftlsomalia.com. These and other sources are cited throughout the text to provide verifiable evidence for the facts and figures presented. By drawing on these reputable sources, we ensure a reliable picture of Somalia’s internet access landscape as of 2025, while acknowledging that the situation continues to evolve rapidly.