Kenyan internet users experience a massive surge, with Starlink's satellite internet adoption increasing tenfold in just a year, broadening its user base significantly.
Starlink, Elon Musk's satellite-based internet service, has made a significant impact on Kenya's digital landscape since its introduction in July 2023. The service, which caters to areas beyond the reach of conventional broadband providers like Safaricom and Telkom Kenya, has seen a remarkable growth in subscribers.
Initially, Kenya had only 405 satellite internet users. However, the number of Starlink subscribers in the country has grown more than tenfold since its introduction, reaching 4,808 by March 2024. This notable shift towards Starlink's high-speed internet plans marks a departure from earlier preferences for slower speeds.
Starlink's services have particularly appealed to niche corporate clients and residents in remote or "upcountry" areas lacking traditional infrastructure. The company's high-speed plans, offering speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps, have been a welcome change for many who have been dissatisfied with services from traditional providers.
In fact, Starlink now caters to over 93% of satellite internet users in Kenya. The service's high speeds exceeding 100 megabits per second (Mbps) have significantly contributed to broadband adoption in Kenya, as noted in a recent report. The report also highlighted that the introduction of Starlink's internet services significantly boosted broadband adoption in the country.
However, it's important to note that the majority of broadband customers in Kenya still opt for local providers offering slower speeds. The largest telecommunications provider in Kenya that has so far surpassed Starlink in satellite usage but has not yet launched any satellite service is Safaricom. Safaricom is Kenya's leading operator and recently invested in the "Daraja" undersea fiber cable to improve internet infrastructure, focusing on cable-based connectivity rather than satellite services.
Safaricom announced its intention to launch a satellite service a year ago, but as of now, has yet to do so. Other satellite service providers in Kenya include Skynet and NTvsat, in addition to Starlink.
The sector is poised for further growth with the continued introduction of new technologies and services. As Starlink continues to expand its reach and improve its services, it will be interesting to see how it impacts Kenya's digital landscape in the future.
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