Elon Musk has fulfilled his promise to Kenyans by launching the Starlink Mini package, which offers high-speed satellite internet for a monthly fee of KSh 1,300.
This rollout, announced on September 26, 2024, comes three months after Musk assured Kenyans of a new package following requests for better internet solutions amidst outages from traditional broadband providers.
The Starlink Mini package is designed to provide affordable and accessible internet connectivity across Kenya, enhancing competition among local internet service providers such as Safaricom and Airtel Kenya.
Background and Launch
Starlink, a subsidiary of Musk’s SpaceX, entered the Kenyan market in July 2023 and has since made significant strides in providing satellite internet services.
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The introduction of the Starlink Mini package aims to address barriers posed by the high upfront costs of previous packages, which often deterred potential users.
The Starlink Mini kit is priced at KSh 27,000 and is designed for portability and ease of use, making it suitable for various users from individuals to businesses.
Impact on the Internet Market
President William Ruto has publicly supported Starlink’s entry into the Kenyan market, highlighting its potential to foster competition that would ultimately benefit consumers.
He urged local providers to enhance their services in response to this new competition. In light of Starlink’s growing presence, Safaricom has already reacted by improving its own internet offerings and seeking regulatory measures to limit foreign competition.
Features of Starlink Mini
The Starlink Mini package includes several attractive features:
- Monthly Cost: KSh 1,300
- Speed: Capable of reaching download speeds between 25 – 220 Mbps.
- Portability: Designed for easy transport, making it ideal for users on the go.
- User Capacity: Can connect up to 128 devices simultaneously.
- Durability: Rated IP67 for dust and water resistance[4][5].
Conclusion
With the launch of the Starlink Mini package, Kenyans can now access reliable satellite internet at a competitive price point.
As more users adopt this technology, it will be interesting to see how local providers adapt to maintain their market share amidst rising competition from satellite services like Starlink.
