Starlink, led by South African-born Elon Musk, is working swiftly to expand internet capacity in Africa’s densely populated urban centers following a temporary suspension of new subscriptions in some areas due to high demand. In a recent announcement on Musk’s X platform, he acknowledged the need to bolster capacity in African cities, especially as Starlink continues to experience exponential growth in key regions.
Kenya, one of Africa’s largest economies, is a prominent example of Starlink’s popularity on the continent. However, recent high demand in Nairobi, the nation’s capital, has forced Starlink to temporarily stop accepting new sign-ups. A statement from the company explained that Nairobi and nearby areas, including Kiambu, Machakos, Narok, Murang’a, and Nakuru, are operating at full network capacity, creating challenges for new residential or roaming customers in accessing the service.
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Since Starlink’s launch in Kenya in July 2023, it has quickly ascended to become the tenth largest internet service provider in the country, boasting over 8,000 users nationwide according to data from the Communication Authority of Kenya. Starlink’s low Earth orbit satellite network has gained traction in rural Kenya, providing high-speed, low-latency internet where conventional access options are either limited or too slow.
Starlink’s Efforts to Make Service Affordable in Kenya
In response to market needs, Starlink has also introduced cost-cutting measures in Kenya, reducing hardware costs from the initial $574 (Ksh.74,000) to $306 (Ksh.39,500). Furthermore, in August, the company began offering a kit rental option, allowing customers to pay a one-time activation fee of $21 (Ksh.2,700), making the service more accessible for individuals and businesses across the country.
Starlink’s swift rise in popularity and responsiveness to user demand underscores its commitment to enhancing internet access in Africa’s urban and underserved regions. With plans to expand infrastructure and manage capacity challenges, the service is poised to play a transformative role in bridging Africa’s digital divide, starting with high-demand areas like Nairobi.
