Starlink has introduced a more affordable plan and kit for its satellite internet service in Kenya. This comes just days after Safaricom, the country’s largest internet service provider, boosted its fiber internet speeds. The new Starlink Mini kit will cost $208.38 (KES 27,000) and offers speeds of up to 100mbps.
Starlink’s new residential plan will be available for $30.87 per month. This is a significant reduction aimed at attracting more customers. This move marks an escalation in the competition for internet subscribers in Kenya.
In July 2023, Starlink entered the Kenyan market with a kit priced at KES 45,000 ($347.25). The introduction of the more affordable Mini kit and a cheaper monthly plan comes as Safaricom increased the speeds of its existing internet packages without altering the prices. Safaricom’s 10Mbps package was upgraded to 15Mbps for the same price of KES 3,000 ($23).
Its 20Mbps package was upgraded to 30Mbps.
Starlink’s new affordable plan details
Safaricom also made significant upgrades to its higher-tier packages.
It doubled the speeds for 40Mbps users and increased the speed fivefold for the 100Mbps package. A new 1Gbps package was introduced at KES 20,000 ($155), targeting heavy internet users. The increased competition has led to Safaricom urging the Communications Authority (CA) to regulate satellite ISPs like Starlink.
Safaricom potentially views them as a threat to its dominance in the broadband market. Currently, Safaricom holds a 36.7% market share. It has an extensive 14,000km fiber optic network that services around 400,000 customers.
Safaricom is reportedly planning to launch its own satellite internet service. However, the market dynamics in Kenya are rapidly evolving with these new developments. This promises faster and more affordable internet options for consumers.
Noah Nguyen is a multi-talented developer who brings a unique perspective to his craft. Initially a creative writing professor, he turned to Dev work for the ability to work remotely. He now lives in Seattle, spending time hiking and drinking craft beer with his fiancee.
