Why Space-X’s Starlink Satellite internet is the Game changer in Kenya

Starlink is a satellite internet constellation constructed by SpaceX, the private aerospace manufacturer and space transportation company founded by Elon Musk. The project aims to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband internet service globally, particularly to underserved and remote areas that lack reliable connectivity. In terms of speed, Fiber has a much faster maximum and median speed than Starlink or any other satellite provider. Fiber has significantly less latency. Therefore, fiber offers a stable connection that is unmatched!

The information gathered from Starlink website shows that it now offers Starlink kit rentals throughout Kenya. The Rent Starlink for Ksh1,950/month or purchase for Ksh45,500. The high purchase price of the equipment has kept the product out of reach of many target users. However, as days rolls by this figure is likely to drop further as more Kenyans opt for Starlink internet a move likely seen to irritate Safaricom and Airtel. There are no contracts with Starlink, but they offer a 30-day trial. The kit ships within just 1 week.

As at August 2024, the package for residential homes in Kenya for unlimited high-speed, low-latency internet data is Kshs. 6,500 per month. The associated hardware is priced at Ksh45,500. The roam package goes for Kshs. 14,000 per month and its features include unlimited mobile data inland, portability and pause Service. The one-off cost of it’s hardware is KSh. 377,000. Additionally, Starlink offers reliable high-speed internet for businesses in Kenya starting at Kshs. 8,000 per month with a hardware cost of KShs. 45,500.

Starlink in Kenya

Starlink set foot in Kenya in July 2023. At the time of its launch, many users were skeptical about availability of internet at low prices albelt increased competition from local players such as Safaricom, Wananchi Group and Jamii Telecommunication. The Starlink hardware kit at that time was going for Kshs. 89,500 which incorporated hardware and installation costs. The main advantage of this technology is that it supports services in areas not possible with terrestrial solutions such as North Eastern and Turkana county parts of Kenya.

When the company was launched in July 2023, it had only 405 subscribers. Two months later, this number more than tripled to 1,360. As of March 2024, satellite internet users have grown to over 4,850. In deed, this trend is projected to grow as affordability and high-quality products become Starlink’s critical drivers for market penetration and adaptability.

Features of Starlink internet

Starlink consists of thousands of small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), which work together to create a large satellite network, or “constellation.” These satellites orbit at altitudes ranging from 340 km to 1,200 km, much lower than traditional geostationary satellites, which typically orbit at around 35,000 km above the Earth’s surface. This low orbit reduces internet latency. Starlink customers use a user terminal, also known as a “dish” or “antenna,” which is a small, flat dish equipped with phased array technology to communicate with the satellites. The dish is self-orienting, meaning it automatically adjusts its position to connect with the optimal satellites.

It has a global coverage meaning that the goal of Starlink is to provide coverage all over the world, including areas where traditional fiber or cable internet infrastructure is not feasible. The service is particularly valuable in rural and remote regions where internet access has been limited or nonexistent. As well, Starlink offers high-speed internet which aims to deliver internet speeds ranging from 50 Mbps to 500 Mbps, with latency as low as 20-40 milliseconds. The speeds and performance can vary depending on location, network congestion, and the number of users.

The commencement of Beta Program and availability: Starlink began a public beta program called “Better Than Nothing Beta” in late 2020, allowing users in select regions to try the service. As of now, Starlink service is available in many countries, with ongoing expansion efforts to cover more regions.

Challenges and Criticisms: The cost of its acquisition has been contested in many countries. The cost of Starlink service typically includes an upfront fee for the user terminal and installation, as well as a monthly subscription fee for the internet service. Pricing can vary by region, but as of 2024, the average monthly cost is around $110, with an upfront equipment fee of about $599.

EXTRA Also read this captivating article about >>> Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Stirlink Internet

Whilst Starlink has been praised for its potential to bring internet to remote areas, it faces challenges such as the high cost of user terminals, potential interference with astronomical observations, and the environmental impact of launching thousands of satellites. There are also concerns about space debris, as the sheer number of satellites increases the risk of collisions in orbit.

Kit rental option

The new rental kit option to the Kenyan market make the satellite internet services more accessible. Initially, the customers faced an uphill task to providing upfront payment of nearly Ksh. 89,000 (USD 690) for the kit, which has since been reduced to Ksh. 45,500 (USD 350) as Starlink expanded distribution through local retail chains in Kenya. The new rental option allows access to a 50 GB monthly data plan with speeds up to 200 Mbps, challenging local internet providers such as Safaricom who offer similar packages at nearly double the price. Unlimited monthly data plan is also available for Ksh. 6,500 (USD 50).

ADVERT

SeitoBnB – Vacation Houses Listing Platform >>>

Cities & Towns: Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisii, Nyeri, Nanyuki, Kericho, Kiambu, Voi and more…

With internet access, reliability and affordability becoming essential enablers for livelihoods and businesses, customers are now pivoting to the most viable options. Starlink strives to fill this need with its key strengths of providing high-speed and low-latency internet services. It continuously seeks to ease customers’ adoption of its services. Furthermore, the company is becoming an increasingly popular choice as its offerings continue to provide quality internet access to all.

Future plans

SpaceX plans to continue launching more satellites to improve service quality and expand coverage. The ultimate goal is to have tens of thousands of satellites in orbit to provide consistent, global high-speed internet access. Despite above challenges, Starlink represents a significant step forward in global internet connectivity, offering a potential solution to bridging the digital divide in underserved remote areas and regions across the globe.

PACKAGES

There are several Starlink internet packages available in Kenya since its introduction in July 2023. As of September 2024, the following packages are available in the market.

Our contacts

Call us or WhatsApp on: +254 719 672296  | E-mail address: [email protected] | Website: https://orbital.co.ke

Author details

Article done by: Felix Orina, MISK | An International Geospatial Consultant | @felixorina | +254 723 87 32 32

The author is the founder and chairman at orbital.co.ke and seito.africa. He writes articles on topical realms of Geospatial engineering, survey, mapping, space science, ICT, AI, emerging technology trends and many more..!