- Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa revealed that the telco held discussions with Starlink owned by American billionaire Elon Musk
- Ndegwa noted that satellite technology enhances internet connectivity in rural regions where fibre-based technology, which Safaricom and other local providers use, cannot
- He said Safaricom’s partnership with Starlink would benefit Kenyans in rural areas, and insisted that he was not worried about competition
Ekwutosblog journalist Japhet Ruto has over eight years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting and offers profound insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.
Kenya’s largest telecommunications company, Safaricom, hopes to partner with Starlink to provide internet services countrywide amid stiff competition from satellite service.
Why Safaricom wants to partner with Starlink
In an interview with Bloomberg, Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa said the collaboration will allow the Elon Musk-owned company access local technology.
Ndegwa noted that satellite technology enhances internet connectivity in rural regions where fibre-based technology, which Safaricom and other local providers use, cannot.
The CEO’s revelation on holding talks with Starlink came after Safaricom wrote a letter to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) expressing concerns over its entrance to the market.
“From a satellite perspective, we have to partner with Starlink or other satellite providers in future to make sure that that technology plays right through. We have had some discussions, and we will continue to have those discussions to the extent that they complement what we are offering,” Ndegwa explained.
Ndegwa said Safaricom’s partnership with Starlink would benefit Kenyans in rural areas, and insisted that he was not worried about competition.
“What we’re telling the regulator is that satellite is used in places not covered today because it will benefit the country rather than competing in urban areas. We’re not worried about competition, we will deal with it,” he added.
Why Kituo Cha Sheria moved to court
The High Court is set to hear a petition seeking to allow satellite internet provider Starlink to operate in Kenya.
The parties in the case, Kituo Cha Sheria, Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), and Safaricom, agreed to drop preliminary issues, paving the way for the case to be heard speedily.
Justice Lawrence Mugambi ordered the parties to file responses and submissions ahead of the hearing on November 25.
What to know about Starlink and Safaricom
- Starlink has been reviewing its pricing to attract Kenyan consumers, offering broadband internet access with speeds up to 200 Mbps.
- Safaricom increased the internet speeds of its Wi-Fi packages to enhance its competitiveness against rising competition from Starlink.
- Starlink announced plans to allow mobile phone users a direct connection to the satellite internet via advanced Evolved Node B.
