Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is experiencing rapid growth across Africa, with Kenya being a standout market. According to the Kenya Communications Authority’s (CA) fourth-quarter industry statistics report, Starlink’s satellite data subscriptions skyrocketed by an impressive 1,955.3% since its launch in July 2023. This surge has positioned Starlink as a key player in Kenya’s growing satellite internet sector.
Impressive Subscriber Growth
The report reveals that as of June 2024, the number of satellite data subscribers in Kenya reached 8,324, a remarkable 73.1% increase from the previous quarter. Just three months earlier, in March 2024, the subscriber base stood at 4,808. Even more striking is the contrast with June 2023, when satellite subscribers numbered only 405—a month before Starlink officially launched in the country. This rapid uptake has been attributed to the efficiency and speed of Starlink’s internet services.
The Communications Authority highlights that 96.9% of Kenya’s satellite data customers now subscribe to internet speeds between 100 Mbps and 1 Gbps, underscoring the high-performance offerings that Starlink brings to the market.
Starlink’s Growing Market Share
Despite being a newcomer, Starlink has already captured 0.5% of the fixed data subscription market in Kenya, a notable feat in such a short time. Safaricom PLC remains the dominant player in the sector with a 36.4% market share, followed by Jamii Telecommunications with 24%, and Wananchi Group controlling 17.5%. Smaller players such as Poa Internet (13.2%), Mawingu (2.6%), and Vilcom (1.5%) round out the competitive landscape, with Starlink steadily climbing the ranks.
In terms of satellite data providers, Starlink and Vijiji Connect both share 0.5% of the market, indicating a growing demand for satellite internet solutions in Kenya.
Growth in Kenya’s Internet Bandwidth Capacity
Kenya’s internet infrastructure is expanding in tandem with the rise of satellite providers like Starlink. The total international internet bandwidth capacity increased by 2.4% in the second quarter of 2024, reaching 21,244.338 Gbps by June. Furthermore, the utilization of undersea bandwidth capacity saw a significant jump, rising 31.3% to 14,644.284 Gbps. A significant portion of this capacity—55%—was used within the country, while 13.9% was sold outside of Kenya.
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Kenya’s satellite internet capacity saw one of the most remarkable increases, surging from 48.438 Gbps in June 2023 to 840.448 Gbps by June 2024, representing an astounding 1,635.1% growth. This surge can largely be attributed to the entry of Starlink and its groundbreaking technology.
Starlink’s African Expansion
Starlink’s entry into Kenya is part of its broader expansion strategy across Africa. The company made its debut on the continent in January 2023, starting in Nigeria, followed by Rwanda in March, and Kenya later in July. Offering satellite internet via low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, Starlink has redefined satellite internet by providing high-speed, low-latency connectivity, making it a game-changer for markets with limited traditional infrastructure.
While users have voiced concerns about the service’s cost, immobility, and performance issues during inclement weather, many agree that Starlink’s speeds far outpace those of conventional internet service providers.
Globally, Starlink is now available in over 107 countries, including 16 African nations. Its rapid expansion makes it one of the fastest-growing internet services in the world, catering to regions underserved by traditional broadband providers.
Challenges in South Africa and Other African Markets
While Starlink has found success in several African countries, its foray into the continent has not been without obstacles. Regulatory hurdles in countries like Ghana, Botswana, and Zimbabwe have slowed its entry. However, nowhere has Starlink faced more stringent challenges than in South Africa, the home country of SpaceX’s founder, Elon Musk.
The primary issue lies in South Africa’s Electronic Communications Act (ECA), which requires that historically disadvantaged groups, including Black South Africans and women, must own at least 30% of any telecommunications company seeking an operational license. Currently, SpaceX does not meet this criterion, making it difficult for Starlink to receive the necessary licensing.
Recent discussions between Starlink executives and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa have offered some hope for resolution, but as of now, the regulatory standoff remains unresolved. Starlink’s absence from South Africa is particularly notable given Musk’s personal connection to the country, but the company’s relentless expansion across other African nations suggests that regulatory issues, while challenging, are not insurmountable.
Conclusion
Starlink’s arrival in Kenya has reshaped the satellite internet landscape, bringing fast, reliable internet to underserved regions and spurring dramatic growth in satellite data subscriptions. With its continued expansion across Africa, Starlink is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in the continent’s digital transformation, despite facing regulatory challenges in certain markets like South Africa. As the demand for high-speed internet grows, Starlink’s innovative technology promises to bridge the digital divide and revolutionize internet connectivity across the continent.
