Kenya’s Safaricom is making strategic moves to enter into satellite broadband partnerships in response to the growing influence of Elon Musk’s Starlink. This development signifies a budding rivalry that could potentially revolutionize Internet access in Kenya, particularly in remote areas that lack adequate connectivity.
During a recent earnings call, Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa disclosed the company’s plans to collaborate with satellite Internet firms to expand broadband services to underserved regions in Kenya. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and provide connectivity to areas where traditional infrastructure is lacking.
The decision comes on the heels of Starlink’s impressive growth in Kenya, where it has more than doubled its market share to 1.1% in just three months, attracting over 8,700 new users. This rapid expansion has prompted Safaricom to urge the Communications Authority of Kenya to mandate satellite Internet providers, including Starlink, to partner with local mobile network operators. Safaricom argues that such partnerships would not only stimulate infrastructure investment but also ensure legal compliance and foster local job creation.
Despite the regulatory push, Safaricom remains open to collaboration with Starlink, with ongoing discussions hinting at a potential partnership in the future. Safaricom had previously planned to launch satellite Internet services with AST SpaceMobile in 2023 as a competitor to Starlink, but the recent interest in partnering with existing satellite providers suggests a shift in strategy.
As the competition intensifies, both Safaricom and Starlink are innovating to capture a larger share of the Kenyan market. Safaricom has introduced enhanced broadband packages, while Starlink’s satellite-based service offers an alternative for consumers in rural and underserved areas.
The rivalry between Safaricom and Starlink is not only driving competition but also sparking broader regulatory discussions about integrating new technologies into Kenya’s digital economy. Ultimately, this clash of titans in the broadband sector is paving the way for a new era of faster speeds, improved services, and more inclusive connectivity for Kenyan consumers.
