Starlink multiplies Kenya’s satellite internet user base tenfold in one year

In less than a year since its introduction to the Kenyan market in July 2023, Starlink, the satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk, has witnessed a remarkable surge in its user base, growing by more than ten times. Prior to Starlink’s entry, Kenya had a modest number of satellite internet users, totaling 405 just three months before the launch. This figure saw a steady increase to 1,354 within two months post-launch and soared to 4,808 by March 2024, according to the latest figures from the Communications Authority (CA), Kenya’s regulatory body for ICT.

The rapid adoption of Starlink in Kenya can be attributed to its impressive internet speeds, which exceed 100 megabits per second (Mbps). This high-speed connectivity has made satellite internet services an appealing option for customers who are beyond the reach of conventional broadband providers like Safaricom and Telkom Kenya. The service is particularly beneficial for specific corporate clients with unique connectivity requirements that cannot be met by standard fibre or fixed broadband, as well as for individuals residing in remote or rural areas where traditional internet infrastructure is not available.

The CA’s report highlights the significant impact of Starlink’s debut on the broader adoption of broadband services in Kenya. The sector is anticipated to continue its growth trajectory with the introduction of new technologies and services.

An analysis of the data reveals a notable shift in the pattern of satellite internet usage in Kenya. Currently, over 93% of satellite internet users are subscribed to high-speed internet plans that offer speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps), a bandwidth range exclusively provided by Starlink. This marks a substantial departure from the more traditional internet options available in the country. Despite this shift towards higher speeds, the majority of broadband users in Kenya continue to rely on local internet service providers that offer lower-speed connections.

The swift rise in popularity of Starlink in Kenya can be largely attributed to its capacity to cater to a segment of customers who have been underserved by the established broadband providers. These traditional telecom companies have typically focused their services on urban centers, leaving a gap in the market for those in less accessible areas. Starlink stepped in with the promise to deliver broadband services to these underserved regions, effectively tapping into a niche market hungry for reliable internet connectivity.

Starlink’s commitment to providing internet coverage in areas beyond the reach of conventional broadband infrastructure has made it a preferred choice among customers in these remote locations. Its ability to bridge the connectivity divide has been a key factor in its rapid adoption among Kenyan users who have long awaited such services.

Although Starlink is the newest major satellite service provider in the Kenyan market, it is not without competition. Other satellite service providers, such as Skynet and NTvsat, have also been operating in the country, offering alternative options for satellite internet services.

Safaricom, which is Kenya’s largest telecommunications company, had previously announced its intention to enter the satellite service space about a year ago. However, as of now, Safaricom has yet to launch its satellite service. This delay has given Starlink a strategic advantage and the opportunity to consolidate its position within the market, particularly among those customers who are located in areas that are not well-served by the existing broadband infrastructure.