NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya’s largest telecom operator, Safaricom, is urging the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to closely regulate Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink, as it gains traction in the country.
The call for regulatory oversight comes amid concerns over the impact of independent satellite providers on the local telecom market.
Last week, Safaricom raised alarms about the unchecked entry of satellite internet providers like Starlink into the Kenyan market.
In a letter to the CA, Safaricom emphasized the need for satellite services to collaborate with local mobile network operators rather than operating independently.
The telecom giant argued that such partnerships would not only foster innovation but also prevent potential legal and operational issues, particularly those related to cross-border interference.
“Satellite coverage inherently extends to multiple territorial borders and, in doing so, has the potential to illegally provide services and cause harmful interference within the territorial borders of the Republic of Kenya,” Safaricom stated in its letter to the CA.
The concerns were sparked by Starlink’s competitive pricing and innovative plans that allow users in Kenya to rent hardware without purchasing the entire kit, a move that Safaricom believes could disrupt the market if left unregulated.
In response to Safaricom’s concerns, the CA acknowledged the legitimacy of the issues raised, particularly regarding the licensing of independent satellite providers.
The CA’s statement reflects its broader mandate, which includes managing Kenya’s frequency spectrum and protecting the rights of ICT service customers.
The regulator is now tasked with determining whether to impose stricter regulations on satellite internet providers like Starlink, ensuring they do not undermine the local telecom ecosystem.
Starlink, which launched in Kenya mid-last year, has already made significant waves in the country’s internet landscape.
According to the latest data from the CA, Starlink’s entry into the market led to a dramatic increase in satellite internet users, doubling their numbers in just three months.
The report shows that satellite internet users rose from 1,354 in September last year to 2,933 by December.
Moreover, the data reveals that 92pc of these users enjoy internet speeds ranging from 100 megabytes per second (Mbps) to 1 gigabyte per second (Gbps), a significant leap from previous years.
As Starlink continues to expand its footprint in Kenya, the debate over how best to regulate satellite internet services is heating up. Safaricom’s call for tighter controls reflects broader concerns about market disruption and the need to ensure a level playing field.
Meanwhile, the Communications Authority of Kenya faces the challenge of balancing innovation with regulation, ensuring that new entrants like Starlink contribute positively to the country’s ICT ecosystem without undermining local operators.
