The internet service provider Starlink has made a surprising decision to halt new subscriptions in Nairobi, Kenya, and five surrounding regions due to high demand exceeding its network capacity. The affected regions include Kiambu, Machakos, Narok, Murang’a, and Nakuru.
Starlink explained that the current network capacity in Nairobi and nearby areas is saturated, unable to accommodate more users accessing their service. This development showcases the increasing popularity of Starlink in Kenya but also raises concerns regarding its ability to scale in densely populated urban areas.
The company is actively working to restore service in the affected areas and plans to notify customers once the residential plan becomes available again. Starlink utilizes Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites positioned around 1,000km above the Earth’s surface to deliver internet connectivity, resulting in faster data speeds of up to 300Gbps.
Since its launch in Kenya in July 2023, Starlink has experienced significant growth in users, driven by promotional offers on equipment kits and affordable monthly plans. The company’s expansion, offering faster speeds at competitive prices, has disrupted local internet service providers like Safaricom, prompting them to request regulatory intervention to assess the impact of satellite internet providers operating without local agreements.
Safaricom has urged the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to evaluate the risks associated with allowing satellite internet providers to operate independently without partnerships with local companies. This move could potentially lead to restrictions that may impact providers like Starlink from operating in the region.