Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture, Starlink, has officially launched its services in the Kenyan market. The foray marks a significant step in intensifying competition with established local players, including Safaricom, Jamii Telecommunications Limited, and Zuku.
The satellite internet giant, an offshoot of Musk’s renowned space technology company SpaceX, has also taken strides to collaborate with the local internet firm Karibu Connect, appointing them as their first authorized reseller in Kenya. The partnership holds the promise of delivering top-tier internet connections with download speeds of up to 250 Mbps and impressive upload speeds reaching 35 Mbps.
According to information displayed on Starlink’s website, Kenyan home users can secure this cutting-edge technology by purchasing a terminal for Ksh89,000 ($628), and a shipping fee of Ksh3,100 ($21.88). The subscription charge for this service is set at Ksh6,500 ($45.89) per month. For businesses looking to tap into Starlink’s advanced capabilities, the hardware purchase cost stands at Ksh349,106 ($2,465), and the shipping charge is Ksh7,500. Business subscriptions have been priced at Ksh13,572 ($95.81) per month.
However, Starlink has been transparent about its current service limitations, which rely on inter-satellite links. As a result, users may experience brief periods of intermittent service and relatively high latency. The service is optimized for common internet activities like email, online shopping, and movie streaming. On the flip side, certain activities such as online gaming and video calls may not be entirely suitable at this stage. Nevertheless, the company has assured customers that service will undergo dramatic improvements in the coming year.
Starlink’s pricing strategy positions the satellite internet provider competitively, finding itself in the middle of the pricing spectrum when compared to other local internet service providers. Safaricom, a market leader, offers a bronze fiber package boasting 8 Mbps speed at Ksh2,999 ($21.17) monthly, while the silver bundle, with speeds of 20 Mbps, is priced at Ksh4,100 ($28.94).
The introduction of Starlink’s cutting-edge technology has the potential to revolutionize traditional telecoms services, especially in underserved areas with limited coverage, such as rural parts of the country. Starlink’s satellite internet can fill the gaps left by conventional terrestrial communication solutions, enabling even unmodified smartphones to access seamless connectivity.
Moreover, Starlink’s services have been thoughtfully tailored to cater to both fixed and mobile applications, including vehicle-mounted solutions for users on the move, as well as connectivity for boats and ships, both inland and offshore.
In response to the fierce competition posed by Starlink’s entry into the Kenyan market, Safaricom has also revealed its plans to partner with AST SpaceMobile, a Texas-based rival of Starlink. The move indicates Safaricom’s determination to expand its offerings and enhance its own satellite internet service capabilities.
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