Increased Internet Speed Offerings by Safaricom in Response to Growing Starlink Demand

In the bustling Kenyan tech scene, two significant developments have taken place in the realm of internet service providers (ISPs). Firstly, SpaceX's Starlink has entered the market, offering high-speed internet services, and secondly, Safaricom, the leading mobile operator, has upgraded its home internet packages.

Starlink, the satellite internet service provider from SpaceX, has made its debut in Kenya in June 2023. By June 2024, the company had already signed up over 4,000 customers. Starlink offers speeds of up to 200 Mbps for a cost of KES 6,500 ($50). For those who may find the initial kit cost prohibitive, Starlink offers a rental option priced at KES 45,000. Additionally, Starlink has introduced a 50 GB package for KES 1,300.

Meanwhile, Safaricom, Kenya's leading mobile operator, has been making strides in the broadband sector. The company has upgraded its fibre internet packages, with the 10 Mbps package being upgraded to 15 Mbps, maintaining the same price of KES 3,000 ($23). The 20 Mbps plan now offers speeds of 30 Mbps, while the 40 Mbps plan has seen a doubling of speeds to 80 Mbps.

The 100 Mbps package has been significantly boosted to 500 Mbps, priced at KES 12,500 ($97). Safaricom is also the first ISP in Kenya to offer gigabit speeds (1 Gbps) for KES 20,000 ($155).

Safaricom's CEO, Peter Ndegwa, has stated that these changes aim to deliver reliable connectivity and added value for customers. In addition, Safaricom has introduced a family share plan that bundles mobile voice, data, SMS, and home internet into a single package. This plan can be shared among up to five family members and offers a discount of up to 20% compared to purchasing separate individual plans.

To cater to the needs of businesses, Safaricom offers dedicated internet plans. Options range from a 15 Mbps shared plan for micro companies to a 100 Mbps shared plan for expanding enterprises.

In response to the growing demand for internet services, Safaricom will also offer 4G and 5G options for homes outside of fibre coverage. The company is also planning to host estate clinics and expand capacity in congested areas.

The Communications Authority (CA) has supported Safaricom's stance, stating that the operator had valid concerns. Safaricom has recently requested the CA to block independent satellite internet providers with operations in other countries, including Starlink. However, the name of the president of Starlink in Kenya, who entered the country in 2023 and had gained over 4,000 customers by July 2024, is not disclosed in the available sources.

These developments mark an exciting time for the Kenyan internet market, with both Starlink and Safaricom introducing innovative offerings to meet the growing demand for high-speed, reliable internet services.