After a significant delay, tech mogul Elon Musk announced on Tuesday the launch of his satellite internet, Starlink, in Kenya.
Starlink aims to provide affordable internet connectivity throughout the country. To achieve this goal, Starlink has partnered with Karibu Connect, a renowned internet connectivity provider.
The two firms aim to achieve this by deploying cutting-edge technology at accessible price points.
The dollar billionaire, emphasised that Starlink internet would be accessible throughout the country, including remote areas.
The company plans to provide a range of options for high-speed, unlimited internet access to cater to different user needs and requirements
Musk's company, powered and operated by the renowned American aerospace company SpaceX, provides high-speed internet services ideal for streaming, video calls, and online gaming.
The company offers various packages; residential, business, roaming, maritime and aviation.
Residential
To access this package, users need to provide their contact information and shipping address.
The delivery process typically takes approximately two to three weeks for the package to reach the designated location, with a shipping fee of Ksh3,100.
The monthly subscription cost for this package is Ksh6,500.
Business
The business package offered by Starlink includes three service options.
The first option provides 1 Terabyte (TB) of priority data, followed by unlimited standard data, at a cost of Ksh13,572. The second option offers 2 TB of data for Ksh27,144.
The third option provides 6 TB of data for Ksh81,432. Priority data is given network precedence, ensuring faster and more consistent speeds for users.
Additionally, businesses are granted a 30-day trial period with no contractual obligations.
Roaming
Under the roaming package, Starlink is offering three services; mobile (regional), mobile (global) and mobile priority (50-GB).
The regional and global service offered by Starlink is available for use anywhere on land within the coverage area.
Users can opt for the regional package at a monthly cost of Ksh7,900, or the international package at Ksh32,800 per month.
For users who require mobile connectivity, the Mobile Priority - 50GB package allows usage on both land and at sea, while in motion.
This package offers 50GB of Mobile Priority Data, ensuring a high-speed network experience. Once the Mobile Priority Data is exhausted, users can continue to enjoy unlimited mobile data.
It is important to note that the hardware for all these packages is not included and requires a separate purchase. The device can be acquired at an average cost ranging from Ksh89,000 to Ksh110,000.
The regional and global service can be used anywhere on land where there's Starlink coverage either regionally or globally. Users will pay Ksh7,900 monthly for the regional package and Ksh32,800 for the international package.
The mobile Priority - 50GB can be used on ocean, land, and in motion. The bundle enables a high-speed network for consumers. After using all Mobile Priority Data, users will get unlimited mobile data.
To access the service, users have to pay Ksh34,910 monthly.
The hardware for all the packages are excluded and users have to pay an average of Ksh89,000 to Ksh110,000 to access the device.
Impact
The high-speed connectivity provided by Starlink is made possible through the implementation of Karibu Connect's suite of turnkey connectivity solutions.
Additionally, Karibu Connect has designed flexible hardware leasing plans, ensuring that businesses of all sizes can access and benefit from Starlink's reliable internet connectivity.
John Thuo, the CEO of Karibu Connect, expressed the significance of this collaboration for Kenya, emphasizing the mission to deliver affordable and high-quality internet access across the country.
"Our partnership with Starlink marks a significant step forward in our commitment to providing accessible and reliable internet connectivity to every corner of Kenya," Thuo stated.
"The introduction of Starlink's groundbreaking technology will revolutionize the way rural areas in Kenya connect with the global community. This advancement will contribute to societal progress and drive economic growth in these regions,"
"The collaboration between Starlink and Karibu Connect holds the potential to bring transformative changes to Kenya's connectivity landscape, fostering inclusivity and development," he added.
