Telecommunications in South Sudan includes fixed and mobile telephony, the Internet, radio, and television. Despite this progress, South Sudan remains one of the least connected countries globally, with limited infrastructure, high costs, and significant ruralâÂÂurban disparities in access.
South Sudan's telecommunications sector is dominated by mobile services, with minimal fixed-line infrastructure. Growth has accelerated in recent years due to increased investment and regulatory reforms.
As of early 2025, there were approximately 4.47 million mobile connections, representing about 37% of the population. By late 2025, this figure had risen to about 5.89 million connections (48.1% of the population), indicating rapid expansion of mobile access.
Internet usage remains relatively low but is growing. In 2025, the number of internet users ranged between 1.6 million and 1.9 million, corresponding to an estimated penetration rate of 13% to 16% of the population.
The telecommunications sector is regulated by the National Communication Authority (NCA), established under the Communications Act of 2012. The NCA oversees licensing, spectrum management, and pricing regulation.
In April 2024, the NCA issued a 30-day ultimatum for all unlicensed satellite service providers operating in the country to register for compliance, warning that failure to do so could result in legal enforcement actions, including fines or equipment seizure.
In midâÂÂ2024, following two years of negotiations, the NCA granted Starlink (SpaceXâÂÂs satellite internet provider) a Satellite Landing Rights License and a Provisional Service License, marking a major milestone in the countryâÂÂs telecom regulation. The regulator subsequently approved official tariffs for Starlink services, structuring four pricing tiers (ranging from $38.19 to $5,005.40 monthly) aligned with demand and affordability goals, and mandated local distribution through officially licensed agents.
South SudanâÂÂs telephone system is primarily mobile-based, with limited fixed-line infrastructure.
Internet access in South Sudan is primarily delivered via mobile broadband and satellite services.
The sector has experienced steady growth, with internet users increasing from approximately 1.3 million in 2024 to about 1.9 million in 2025.
However, access remains constrained by high costs, limited infrastructure, and low digital literacy. An estimated 80%âÂÂ85% of the population remains offline, highlighting a significant digital divide.