Elon Musk’s satellite internet technology Starlink has recently announced plans to launch in the East African country Kenya.
The broadband Internet system has revealed that the launch will take place in the second quarter (Q2) of this year, as it is set to compete with other telecom players in the country such as Zuku and Safaricom.
Starlink plans to heighten competition in the Kenyan telecom industry by delivering high-speed Internet broadband services to locations where access has been unreliable or completely unavailable.
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Citizens in the country can pre-order it for a refundable amount of Sh 12,260 ($99) to reserve the service. Starlink disclosed on its website that it seeks to target its services in cities such as Nairobi, Nakuru, Kisumu, and Mombasa, amongst other towns in the country, starting from the three months ending June.
Starlink wrote on its website,
“Order now to reserve your Starlink. Starlink is targeting service in your area starting in Q2 2023. Availability is subject to regulatory approval. Within each coverage area, orders are fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis.”
Starlink’s entry into Kenya marks its major entry into Africa after the launch of its Internet Service system in Nigeria, as well as its approval to operate in Mozambique.
The broadband internet service had estimated that its services will begin in the rest of Africa (beyond Nigeria and Mozambique) in 2023, but this depends on the company receiving the necessary approvals.
Starlink is renowned for its impressive internet speed of 104Mbps, a sharp contrast to the average cellular internet speed of 17.38Mbps. Furthermore, the use of the LEO satellites is likely to significantly reduce internet downtimes.
Its low-latency broadband internet system is created to meet the needs of consumers in rural areas with low internet penetration across the globe.
Once users purchase the Starlink Kit, it comes with everything they need to get online in minutes including the Starlink, WiFi router, cables, and base.