Afrigather One yr after its launch in Kenya, Starlink has grow to be the nation’s tenth-largest web service supplier (ISP). The corporate has gained over 8,000 subscribers in line with knowledge from Kenya’s Communications Authority (CA).
“Starlink Web Companies Kenya that was licenced earlier within the monetary yr to supply satellite tv for pc Web companies had a market share of 0.5 % as of thirtieth June 2024,” the CA mentioned.
Starlink’s development is without doubt one of the quickest expansions for any ISP in Kenya, pushed by robust public curiosity in its availability in underserved areas. In a aggressive native panorama the place new ISPs usually take years to achieve traction, Starlink’s rise indicators a requirement for web entry amongst clients beforehand ignored by established suppliers.
Whereas Starlink’s subscriber numbers could appear modest in comparison with market leaders like Safaricom and Jamii Telecommunications, which have 545,000 and 360,000 subscribers, respectively, Starlink has the potential for buyer development.
Not like its fibre opponents, Starlink’s satellite tv for pc web doesn’t require intensive floor infrastructure. Whereas its rivals issue of their infrastructure investments into pricing, Starlink depends on over 6,000 satellites manufactured by its dad or mum firm SpaceX. This permits Starlink to supply aggressive pricing with out incurring heavy infrastructure prices.
Its most cost-effective plan begins at KES 1,300 ($10) for as much as 200 Mbps. There’s additionally a residential package deal accessible for KES 4,000 ($31), providing speeds of as much as 100 Mbps, priced decrease than related plans from different ISPs.
But this benefit has put Starlink in a difficult place within the Kenyan market. Rivals like Safaricom have requested the regulator to impose stricter entry necessities for unbiased satellite tv for pc operators. Safaricom additionally upgraded its fibre speeds to retain clients contemplating switching to Starlink, whereas different opponents supplied reductions.
Regardless of the extraordinary rivalry, Safaricom mentioned it’s open to partnerships with firms like Starlink. Though particulars are scanty, such a collaboration might permit Starlink to make the most of Safaricom’s intensive logistical community for distribution.
