Since Elon Musk’s satellite internet service provider arrived in Kenya in July 2023, it has made inroads into internet service sector growing 104.7 per cent according to the latest report by Communication Authorithy (CA).
“Satellite internet subscriptions recorded a significant increase of 104.7 percent during the reference period attributed to a customer acquisition campaign run by Starlink Internet Services Kenya that introduced an option to rent satellite equipment at a reduced cost,” CA says in its latest report.
Initially, Starlink had a challenge growing in Kenya since the price of buying hardware kits. However, in April last year Starlink introduced a rental plan for hardware kits which enables those who cannot afford the hardware to access its services.
The internet provider is also set to provide internet service from the satellite directly to devices which will eliminate the need to buy the hardware kits.
The intent of Starlink has caused jitters among Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Kenya who feel that Musk’s company is likely to infringe Kenya’s internet regulatory policies.
Notably, Starlink’s growth is attributed to its superior service which offers high internet speed compared to local providers. Additionally, Starlink can be accessed in remote areas since it’s a satellite internet service, something that local providers are not able to achieve.
The provider now has more than 16,000 users, a number which is likely to triple when the provider launches satellite-to-device service (eliminating hardware kit). It is also likely to stir up legal action against Starlink as local providers seek to maintain its monopoly in the country.
