US-based space exploration company, SpaceX, has announced plans to launch Starlink, its satellite Internet service, in Kenya, pending regulatory approval
Kenyans can pre-order the service and deposit a fully refundable deposit of Sh12,260 ($99) to reserve it if approved.
The Starlink kit, including a Starlink dish, a mounting tripod, a WiFi router, a power supply, and cables, will reportedly cost $499 (Sh73,677).
According to SpaceX, service will be available in Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, and Nakuru, among other cities, in June 2023.
With the demand for high Internet speed for streaming, video calls, and online gaming, Kenyans can expect a dependable Internet service from Starlink.
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But what does this mean for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the country, including Safaricom, Zuku, and Faiba? One word: Competition.
However, the entry of a new player in the market might result in more innovation and lower prices for its customers.
Sidebar: Nigerians who pre-ordered Starlink’s hardware have reportedly received their orders. However, the service is only available to those with dollar cards who can pay for the hardware online.