In Kenya, Starlink has launched a US$30.87 monthly residential plan, just days after Internet service provider (ISP) Safaricom boosted its fibre Internet speeds in a competitive move against the satellite service.
BMA understands that Starlink’s new Mini kit, priced at US$208.38 and offering speeds up to 100 Mbps, targets cost-conscious customers. This follows Starlink’s July 2023 Kenyan debut with a pricier US$347.25 kit.
The Elon Musk-owned satellite Internet service’s more affordable Lite plan aims to draw customers from local ISPs like Safaricom, which remains the largest in the East African nation.
In August 2024, Starlink also introduced a US$15 monthly kit rental option — with an additional one-time activation fee of US$21 — to the Kenyan market to make its satellite Internet services more accessible.
In response, Safaricom, which controls 36.7% of Kenya’s broadband market, upgraded its fibre Internet speeds on Monday, September 23, 2024, to stay competitive. Its 10 Mbps package now offers 15 Mbps at US$23, while its highest-tier plan offers a new 1 Gbps connection at US$155.
Similarly, customers on the 20 Mbps plan have been upgraded to 30 Mbps for the same price, the 40 Mbps package has been doubled to 80 Mbps at US$49, and the premium 100 Mbps package has been increased fivefold to 500 Mbps at US$97 per month.
While these moves aim to retain customers, Safaricom has expressed concerns over satellite Internet services like Starlink disrupting its market dominance. It has also reportedly pushed the Communication Authority of Kenya to restrict satellite ISPs like Starlink.
Starlink offers users the advantage of high-speed, low-latency Internet across even the most remote regions.
Since entering the Kenyan market in July 2023, the SpaceX-owned company has gained significant traction, becoming a popular choice for users seeking a reliable Internet connection, especially in areas underserved by fibre.
Safaricom, which currently connects about 400,000 customers through 14,000 km of fibre optic cable, is reportedly preparing to launch its own satellite internet service. This move is a step toward securing its market position amid rising competition from international players.
