Safaricom, a leading telecom company in Kenya, has unveiled plans to launch its own satellite Internet service in the country, directly competing with SpaceX’s Starlink offering. The telecom giant will collaborate with AST SpaceMobile, a US-based competitor of Starlink, to provide the service.
The primary objective of Safaricom’s satellite Internet service is to enhance its broadband offerings, including Wi-Fi, cellular networks, and fibre optic cables. By leveraging AST SpaceMobile’s satellite technology, Safaricom aims to improve connectivity in remote areas and deliver affordable broadband access to rural communities.
AST SpaceMobile is developing a unique network that employs a constellation of satellites to provide satellite-based Internet access, allowing direct communication with common 4G smartphones. This makes AST SpaceMobile the first company to enable smartphones to connect to a space-based broadband network.
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The company’s prototype satellite, Bluewalker 3, underwent initial testing in 2022 and will undergo an official trial in Kenya later this year, involving Safaricom and other African operators in the Vodacom group. The trial will span 49 countries across Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean, utilizing 200 satellites.
Following a successful trial, AST SpaceMobile plans to expand its satellite deployments in collaboration with Vodacom, extending continuous communications to 4G devices not only in Africa but also in other regions.
Safaricom’s entry into the satellite Internet market poses a significant challenge for Starlink. Through its collaboration with AST SpaceMobile, which focuses on mobile phone connectivity, Safaricom aims to maintain its market dominance. However, pricing may be a concern for customers on a tight budget who rely on low-cost data bundles and free public Wi-Fi hotspots.
Safaricom’s satellite Internet service launch marks a crucial development in bridging the digital divide and providing improved connectivity to underserved areas. As competition in the satellite Internet market intensifies, Safaricom’s offering will face scrutiny against Starlink and other competitors.
