Safaricom has intensified its rural expansion efforts in Kenya, cutting the cost of its 5G routers and deploying dozens of new 5G sites in underserved areas. This move directly challenges Starlink’s growing presence in regions with limited or absent traditional internet infrastructure.
In a sharp pricing shift, Safaricom’s 5G routers are now retailing at $23 —a 90% reduction from last year. The devices are distributed through grassroots efforts, including door-to-door sales, bundled with flexible data packages and optional power banks to support usage during power outages. The routers offer 5G and 4G connectivity, appealing to users seeking mobility and prepaid flexibility.
Monthly plans range from $31 for 50 Mbps to $77 for 250 Mbps—significantly undercutting Starlink, whose hardware alone costs $231. Safaricom’s affordability and portability position it as a strong alternative for rural households and businesses.
While Starlink has gained traction in rural regions, its performance in urban centres like Nairobi is threatened. The company halted new sign-ups in the capital due to network congestion, highlighting the limitation of satellite bandwidth in high-demanding environments.
Safaricom, however, is expanding fast. It has over 1,100 5G sites in 102 towns, supported by deals with Huawei and Nokia.
With over 780,000 active 5G smartphones on its network, Safaricom is also launching interactive 5G experience centres to showcase next-gen applications such as VR and smart home tech.
This competitive push comes as Starlink’s Africa rollout accelerates—it’s now active in 18 countries. However, resistance is growing. In Zimbabwe, local ISPs are cutting prices, and in Nigeria, Starlink is already the third-largest provider, raising regulatory concerns.
Originally advocating for tighter satellite controls, Safaricom has pivoted to a value-based strategy. By focusing on affordability, mobility, and network reach, the telco aims to win over rural users on their terms—and offer a grounded alternative to space-powered connectivity.
