Within a year of launching in Kenya in July 2023, Starlink, the satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk, has seen a tenfold increase in users.
This indicates a rapid adoption of the service in the country. Just three months before the launch, Kenya had only 405 satellite internet users; that number grew to 1,354 two months after Starlink arrived and surged to 4,808 by March 2024, as per data from Kenya’s Communications Authority (CA).
High Speeds and Niche Appeal
Starlink’s impressive speeds of over 100 Mbps have fueled this growth. Satellite internet services are particularly appealing to customers not served by traditional providers like Safaricom and Telkom Kenya.
This includes specialized corporate clients with needs beyond standard fiber or fixed broadband and those in remote areas where conventional infrastructure is lacking.
Transformation of Kenya’s Satellite Internet Landscape
The CA report highlights Starlink’s pivotal role in driving broadband uptake, stating, “The launch of Starlink’s internet services in the country played a major role in driving the uptake of broadband services.
Generally, the sector is expected to keep growing following the rollout of new technologies and services.” The data reveals a significant shift in Kenyan satellite internet usage, with over 93% of users now opting for high-speed plans ranging from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps, exclusively provided by Starlink.
This contrasts with traditional options, although most broadband users still rely on local providers with lower speeds.
Serving Underserved Markets
Starlink’s success stems from its ability to cater to customers dissatisfied with established providers who primarily focus on urban areas.
The company has fulfilled its promise of delivering broadband services to regions beyond the reach of traditional providers, becoming a favored choice in this niche market.
Existing and Future Competition
While Starlink is the latest major player in Kenya’s satellite internet market, it faces competition from existing providers like Skynet and NTvsat.
Notably, Safaricom, Kenya’s largest telecom operator, announced plans for a satellite service a year ago but has yet to launch it.
Source: Techcabal