The leading telecom company in Kenya, Safaricom, has expressed openness to partnering with Starlink, marking a shift from its previous stance.
CEO Peter Ndegwa mentioned ongoing discussions with Starlink, emphasizing the potential for a partnership that complements their current offerings.
A collaboration between Safaricom and Starlink could potentially benefit consumers in Kenya by leveraging Safaricom’s wide-reaching network to lower the cost of Starlink kits, which are currently priced at KES 45,000 ($350). However, the specifics of this collaboration, if it progresses, have not been disclosed.
Earlier, Safaricom had proposed stricter regulations on independent satellite internet providers like Starlink to the Communications Authority of Kenya, drawing criticism for potentially hindering Starlink’s market entry.
The competition between Safaricom and Starlink highlights the benefits new entrants bring to consumers through competitive pricing.
Recent developments have seen Safaricom upgrading its fiber speeds and introducing a 1 Gbps package in response to Starlink’s offerings, which include more affordable residential packages and kits.
These advancements are a positive move towards enhancing access to fixed data services for the people of Kenya.