Starlink eases Libra School’s internet connectivity woes

Libra International School located in Zirobwe, Luweero district, has turned to Starlink satellite technology to overcome persistent internet connectivity challenges that had hindered digital learning, online research, and communication with parents.

The school, which has embraced technology in teaching and administration, had struggled to obtain a reliable internet connection because of its location outside Uganda’s main urban centres. Previous attempts to improve connectivity, including the installation of signal boosters, failed to deliver the performance required, despite the significant costs involved.

The challenges have now eased following the deployment of Starlink through MTN Uganda, which has introduced the satellite internet service for businesses and institutions operating in remote and underserved areas.

The development was demonstrated at Libra during the launch of MTN Starlink for Business, a service intended to extend internet access to organisations whose operations are constrained by limited mobile network coverage or the absence of fibre infrastructure.

William Sekabembe, director of Libra International School, said the unreliable internet had undermined the institution’s efforts to integrate technology into learning and other school activities.

“Connectivity was a major challenge for us because we are an international school focused on using technology to improve learning. We tried different solutions, including boosters, but they were not efficient enough for our needs. The interventions were also expensive,” Sekabembe said.

He said the poor connection affected students’ access to online research materials, classroom activities, communication with parents and the use of the school’s digital management systems.

However, the introduction of Starlink has improved internet access across the campus, including in computer rooms, enabling teachers and students to use digital learning resources more effectively.

“Ever since we started the proof of concept with Starlink through MTN, it has really been a big milestone for us. The students can do their research much more easily, and communication with parents has improved because now it is just at the click of a button. Our examination and school management systems are also working more efficiently,” Sekabembe said.

He described the internet speed as “fantastic” and its reliability as “top of the range”.

The school’s experience highlights the difficulties institutions outside major urban centres face in obtaining reliable internet connectivity, particularly when their operations increasingly depend on digital platforms.

Satellite technology

MTN Uganda chief executive officer Sylvia Mulinge said the launch of MTN Starlink for Business was intended to expand connectivity options for organisations operating in areas where conventional internet infrastructure is limited or unavailable.

Starlink uses a network of low-Earth-orbit satellites to provide internet connectivity. Unlike conventional services that depend primarily on terrestrial infrastructure such as fibre-optic cables or mobile network towers, satellite internet can serve locations where extending such infrastructure is difficult or costly.

MTN Uganda, an authorised reseller of Starlink products, will provide the service alongside local implementation, account management and customer support.

Mulinge said the satellite service was designed to complement, rather than replace, the telecommunications company’s existing connectivity options.

Depending on their location and operational needs, organisations can use Starlink as their primary internet connection, as a backup when existing services fail or where connectivity needs to be established quickly.

The service is expected to benefit organisations in sectors such as healthcare, tourism, agriculture, mining, energy, construction and humanitarian operations, particularly those with facilities or projects located beyond the reach of conventional connectivity infrastructure.

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