NAIROBI, Kenya- In a move set to disrupt Kenya’s internet market, Starlink, the satellite internet provider owned by tech billionaire Elon Musk, has launched its more affordable Mini kit.
The new offering is a game-changer for Kenyans looking for reliable internet, especially those previously deterred by the high costs of Starlink’s hardware
When Starlink entered the Kenyan market in July 2023, it quickly gained attention for its competitive internet packages and superior speed.
However, the high price of its hardware was a barrier for many potential customers. That’s about to change with Starlink Mini, which offers a more compact and portable design at a much lower cost.
The Mini kit is priced at Ksh.27,000, and monthly packages start at just Ksh.1,300, making it a more accessible option for both fixed and portable internet needs.
Compared to the Starlink Standard, which covers up to 297 square meters and is ideal for streaming, video calls, and gaming, the Mini covers up to 112 square meters and is perfect for basic internet applications.
The Mini can also connect up to 128 devices, making it a solid option for most homes and small businesses.
Additionally, while Starlink Standard comes with a Gen 3 WiFi router, the Mini features integrated WiFi. For users seeking affordability without compromising on connectivity, this new option is a win .
Starlink’s hardware was initially priced at Ksh.74,000, but the company has been gradually reducing costs to widen its customer base.
Earlier this year, the price dropped to Ksh.39,500, and by August, the kit was available for Ksh.29,000. These reductions have made Starlink available at retail outlets like Carrefour and online platforms like Jumia.
In a further push for affordability, the satellite ISP recently introduced a kit rental option. This allows customers to pay a one-time activation fee of Ksh.2,700 and a monthly rental fee of Ksh.1,950 for the hardware, with service plans starting at Ksh.1,300 for 50 GB of data.
Despite the lower cost, users still enjoy speeds of up to 200Mbps, putting it on par with the competition .
Starlink’s entry has ruffled feathers in Kenya’s broadband market, particularly with Safaricom, the country’s dominant fixed internet provider.
Safaricom, which holds 36.7pc of the market, recently urged the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to reconsider its decision to grant licenses to satellite internet providers.
The telecom giant expressed concerns over potential illegal connections and the risk of interference with mobile network operators.
While the CA has yet to respond publicly to Safaricom’s concerns, President William Ruto noted earlier this week that Starlink’s presence has spurred competition, prompting local providers to improve their offerings.
In response, Safaricom has rolled out new internet packages, including a 1GB-per-second Platinum package priced at Ksh.20,000, a clear attempt to retain its market dominance in the face of growing competition.
With Starlink Mini now available, the landscape of internet service in Kenya is poised for a significant shift. The more affordable option brings reliable internet to more households and small businesses, while also pushing traditional providers to step up their game.
