Starlink has become Kenya’s eighth-largest internet provider, growing its subscriber base to 16,746 and capturing a 1.1% market share. This rapid ascent, surpassing competitors like Liquid Telecommunications, highlights the ISP’s popularity in the country’s satellite internet market. Starlink’s affordability and improved latency, thanks to a Nairobi-based ground facility, have driven demand, especially in underserved areas. Competitive pricing, such as a $10 50GB data plan and reduced hardware costs, has further bolstered its appeal. Consequently, Starlink has gained market share at the expense of traditional ISPs like Safaricom and Airtel Kenya, which have expressed concerns over its rapid growth. Meanwhile, Kenya’s telecom regulator has proposed steep licensing fees and annual levies for satellite providers like Starlink. If successful, the regulations would hurt smaller satellite ISPs like Viasat and NTvsat, which have fewer than 300 subscribers.
Source: TechCabal