Roke Telkom, in partnership with Paratus Uganda Ltd, has launched Starlink connectivity services targeting Uganda’s enterprise market, giving businesses an additional option for accessing high-speed internet in locations where conventional networks may be unavailable or inadequate.
The service uses Starlink’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology to provide low-latency internet connectivity and can also complement existing fibre and wireless networks, particularly for businesses operating across multiple locations.
The partnership brings together Paratus Group Holdings’ telecommunications expertise across 16 African countries and Roke Telkom’s local infrastructure and market experience. Roke is marking 20 years of providing connectivity services in Uganda.
Edwin Kyambadde, Country Manager at Paratus Uganda, said the launch would help address some of the connectivity challenges facing businesses while providing an additional option for strengthening existing networks.
“This is an important milestone for connectivity in Uganda because we are now able to address some of the gaps that businesses have continued to face, while also giving them another option to strengthen their existing connectivity,” said Kyambadde.
“Our focus is not simply on selling connectivity. We want to understand what the customer is trying to achieve, where they operate and what their network requires, and then design a solution that works for them. Starlink gives us another powerful tool to do that.”
The enterprise offering will target organisations with operations across multiple locations, as well as businesses and institutions operating in areas beyond the reach or limitations of conventional connectivity infrastructure.
Potential users include companies in construction and infrastructure, agriculture and agribusiness, tourism and hospitality, mining, education and healthcare, as well as non-governmental organisations and government agencies.
In tourism, the service could provide connectivity to lodges and hospitality facilities in remote destinations. In education and healthcare, improved internet access could support remote learning, digital resources, telemedicine and information sharing between facilities.
The technology can also support mobile connectivity applications where internet access is required on buses, taxis and other mobile platforms.
Peter Muhumuza, Chief Executive Officer of Roke Telkom, said the partnership reflects the changing connectivity requirements of Ugandan businesses and the need to combine new technologies with local expertise.
“Roke has spent the last 20 years building connectivity solutions for Ugandans, and as we mark that milestone, we are excited to be entering this next chapter with technologies that allow us to serve our customers in new ways,” said Muhumuza.
“Connectivity on its own is no longer enough for businesses. What businesses need is connectivity that works within their wider operations, whether that means integrating their networks, strengthening cybersecurity or connecting them to cloud services. That is where this partnership becomes particularly important.”
Roke and Paratus said Starlink connectivity can be combined with other enterprise services, including network integration, cybersecurity and cloud services, allowing businesses to develop connectivity arrangements suited to their operational requirements.
Customers will receive local billing and technical support, while the two companies will assess individual requirements based on location, network needs and budget.
Kyambadde said the combination of international technology and local expertise would be central to the partnership.
“The strength of this partnership is the combination of global capability and local heritage. Paratus brings international telecommunications experience and access to technologies such as Starlink, while Roke brings 20 years of experience in the Ugandan market and the infrastructure and support needed to serve customers locally,” he said.
“For the customer, that means they get a partner that can help them understand how the technology fits into their existing network and how it can support their business.”
While Starlink residential services are available directly to consumers in Uganda, Paratus Uganda said its initial focus through the partnership would be the enterprise and business segment, particularly organisations with multi-site operations or those seeking to strengthen connectivity across their locations.
Muhumuza said Roke’s two decades in Uganda had been characterised by adapting to the changing needs of the country’s digital economy.
“Twenty years ago, the connectivity conversation was very different. Today, businesses expect to be connected wherever they operate and to have that connectivity work seamlessly with the rest of their digital infrastructure,” he said.
“Our partnership with Paratus and the introduction of Starlink is part of how we continue to respond to that changing reality.”
The launch comes as Ugandan businesses increasingly rely on digital infrastructure for communications, cloud services, online transactions and other business operations.
The partners said businesses seeking to establish, strengthen or extend their connectivity can engage Roke Telkom and Paratus Uganda to assess their requirements and explore Starlink-enabled solutions.
