Starlink, the satellite internet business of SpaceX, has made its commercial launch of satellite broadband services in Kenya, making it the latest country in Africa to join the network. SpaceX has chosen local internet company Karibu Connect as its first authorized distributor in Kenya.
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Starlink Expands to Kenya
Karibu Connect will offer Starlink enterprise services for both fixed and mobile applications, including solutions for vehicles on the move and boats operating inland and offshore.
Starlink's Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites are designed to deliver high-speed, low-latency broadband internet in remote and rural areas worldwide. The service is currently priced at KES 6,500 per month, with hardware costs of KES 89,000.
While users can expect typical high-speed internet for activities such as email, online shopping, and movie streaming, Starlink acknowledges that there may be brief periods of intermittent service and high latency. However, the firm assures that the service will improve dramatically over the next year.
Global Roaming Connectivity
Starlink took to its official Twitter account to announce the availability of its services in Kenya, stating, "Starlink is now available in Kenya." Additionally, Starlink's global roaming option allows users to travel almost anywhere and stay connected.
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Starlink's Growing Presence Worldwide
The satellite internet service has been expanding rapidly, recently becoming available in Cyprus and Guatemala. Moreover, Starlink's presence is not just confined to land, as Costa Cruises has introduced enhanced Wi-Fi on board Costa Toscana, with plans to extend the service across its entire fleet by December. Nearly 300 cruise ships will utilize Starlink to keep passengers and crews connected with high-speed internet while at sea.
Starlink achieved a significant milestone in May by surpassing 1.5 million customers worldwide, a feat they celebrated and thanked their users for.
Safaricom, a major telecommunications company in Kenya, has recently announced plans to launch satellite internet services in partnership with AST SpaceMobile.
