Elon Musk-owned Starlink, a Satellite internet service, is extending its reach across Africa. The service is currently available in 54 countries worldwide and serves approximately 1.5 million active customers. Now, Starlink has launched its satellite internet service in Kenya, with an initial focus on major cities like Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, and Nakuru.

The introduction of Starlink aims to bring high-speed internet to Kenya, with speeds reaching up to 200Mbps. This has the potential to greatly enhance education, business, and overall socio-economic development within the country. With a monthly subscription fee of Ksh6,500 ($45.9) and a one-time hardware cost of Ksh92,000 ($649.72), broadband internet is poised to become more accessible and affordable to a broader population.

Starlink’s entry into the Kenyan market is expected to introduce fresh competition for local internet service providers such as Faiba, Safaricom, and Zuku. These providers currently offer internet speeds of up to 100Mbps at monthly charges ranging from Ksh12,000 ($84.5) to Ksh16,000 ($112.7). In response to Starlink’s launch, Safaricom, Kenya’s leading communications company, has partnered with AST SpaceMobile to introduce its own satellite internet services. This will intensify competition in the satellite internet sector and ultimately lead to improved services and more widespread access to the internet.

Starlink has plans to expand its services to 17 additional African countries, including Zambia and Angola, in 2023. In 2024, it aims to launch in 16 more countries, including Uganda, Tunisia, Ghana, and Egypt. There are 18 additional countries where launch dates have yet to be confirmed.

This expansion of Starlink’s satellite internet service in Kenya is a significant development that has the potential to greatly improve internet connectivity and access to information for individuals and businesses in the country. With increased competition in the market, consumers can look forward to improved services and more affordable options for broadband internet.

The post Starlink Expands Satellite Internet Service to Kenya appeared first on TS2 SPACE.