A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched 21 Starlink internet satellites, 13 of which have direct-to-cell capability, to orbit on Wednesday night (March 12).

The arrival of Starlink in Niger comes at a time when the nation is grappling with considerable connectivity issues. A large portion of its population has struggled to access reliable internet services.

The service is priced 10-14 times higher than offerings from major broadband providers Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel

SpaceX launched 21 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral on Wednesday night. The Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched around 10:35 p.m. Sign up for our Newsletters Additional launch opportunities were also available on Thursday starting at 9:53 p.