Elon Musk satellite data firm enters Kenya market

With a pledge to provide download speeds of up to 250 Mbps and upload rates of up to 35 Mbps, the multinational, which is a spinoff of Elon Musk‘s space technology company SpaceX, has also named local internet company Karibu Connect as its first authorized reseller in Kenya.
According to a notice posted on Starlink’s website, buying a terminal to enable connections will set Kenyan home users back Ksh89,000 plus a Ksh3,100 delivery fee, while the monthly membership rate will be Ksh6,500.
While the monthly subscription fee has been set at Ksh13,572 for commercial use, the hardware purchase will cost Ksh349,106 plus a shipping fee of Ksh7,500.
“Using inter-satellite links, Starlink is currently accessible in your area. You can anticipate Starlink’s regular high-speed internet service, which includes brief intervals of inconsistent service and high latency,” according to an online notification from the company.
“Users will be able to perform routine internet tasks like sending emails, buying online, and watching streaming videos, but they won’t be able to perform video chats or play online games. The coming year will see a significant improvement in the service.”
A quick check reveals that Starlink’s established monthly prices are in the middle of those of other internet service providers.
For example, market leader Safaricom offers an 8 Mbps bronze fibre package for residential use for Ksh2,999 per month, while a 20 Mbps silver bundle costs Ksh4,100.
Safaricom offers two office-use packages: gold (40 Mbps speed) and diamond (100 Mbps speed) for Ksh6,299 and Ksh12,499, respectively.
JTL, on the other hand, provides speed packages starting at 40 Mbps for Ksh5,250 per month, 65 Mbps for Ksh10,500, 90 Mbps for Ksh15,750, and 140 Mbps for Ksh21,000 per month.
However, Starlink technology will provide services not supported by conventional terrestrial communications methods, enabling unmodified smartphones to connect to satellites in coverage-gap zones.
The Starlink services will be designed for both fixed and mobile applications, and will include vehicle-mounted options for use while traveling as well as on boats and ships that operate both inland and offshore.
Through a cooperation with Starlink’s Texas-based rival AST SpaceMobile, which has agreements with the telco’s ultimate parent company Vodafone Group Plc, Safaricom has also prepared plans to offer the satellite internet service in the local market.
Traditional telecom services, particularly in rural portions of the country, are built on infrastructure that has left many places without coverage. Satellite internet connections have the potential to upend these services.