What are Mayotte’s Needs?
Elon Musk, often criticized lately for politicizing his stances, is involved everywhere! As part of his ambitious “Mayotte Rebuild” plan, François Bayrou revealed on December 30, 2024, his plan to deploy 200 units on the island. This project addresses several specific needs.
Firstly, it aims to bolster emergency communications. During this crisis management period (whether dealing with natural disasters or network failures), the Starlink system would maintain reliable access to calls, SMS, and the internet.
It would also improve internet access in an area where digital infrastructure is largely inadequate. Traditional networks in Mayotte are often overloaded or unavailable in some areas. Starlink would offer stable and immediate coverage, especially in the most isolated regions.
As a reminder, Starlink – a subsidiary of SpaceX created by Elon Musk – relies on low-orbit satellites. Unlike traditional satellites situated thousands of kilometers away, these orbit at about 450 km altitude, allowing for quick and reliable connections with low latency, even in remote areas. The company already operates a constellation of 6,300 active satellites (as of mid-September 2024) and now has more than 4 million users worldwide.
At What Cost?
However, this initiative raises questions about cost and accessibility. To use Starlink, each user must have a terminal, currently priced at 349 euros, plus a monthly subscription. These prices could be a barrier for the island’s less affluent households, unless subsidies or other forms of aid are introduced.
Moreover, the project presents technical and environmental challenges. Starlink satellites have a lifespan of about three years, necessitating regular replacement, which entails significant costs. The issue of space pollution they generate is also increasingly concerning (Steve Wozniak has even started a company, Privateer Space
, to tackle this issue).
If implemented, this deployment could transform digital access in Mayotte. Its success, however, will depend on careful cost management and educating the local population about digital practices.
Controversial Choice for Orange
The government’s decision to favor Starlink has caused considerable frustration at Orange, which has restored 75% of its mobile coverage in Mayotte’s most populated areas such as Mamoudzou, Pamandzi, and Dzaoudzi, in just 10 days.
Laurentino Lavezzi, director of public affairs at Orange, expressed regret at the lack of recognition for their efforts in the Prime Minister’s speech. He also highlighted the significant logistical challenges faced by teams on the ground, including securing their homes and accessing essential resources like water and food.
Our Test on Starlink