Safaricom vs Starlink: Telco giant eyes entry into satellite space
Elon Musk’s Starlink has entered Kenya’s internet market, shaking up the landscape dominated by Safaricom and marking a new era of competition for cheaper and more accessible connectivity. In June, Starlink launched a 50GB data package at Sh1,300—significantly lower than Safaricom’s Sh5,000 for 47GB, though Safaricom’s package includes 2,500 talk minutes and 5,000 SMS.
In August, Starlink introduced a rental option for its hardware kit at Sh1,950 monthly, eliminating the need for the hefty Sh45,500 upfront cost. This is in addition to the Sh1,300 charge for the 50GB data plan or the Sh6,500 monthly service fee for the unlimited internet package.
As a result, local traditional internet service providers are feeling the heat, as Philip Oyier, an Information Systems Analyst at JKUAT, explains.
“Most players are comfortable with the status quo. There is quality and costing and many other things that come up in the service provision… Everyone is jittery because they think that you want to be in their space. You have a direct satellite that is orbiting up there.”
Oyier elaborates on the advantages of satellite internet in Kenya:
“The fibre is a physical cable, so there are areas where it cannot reach. For those people who are out of reach of cables, they are locked out of internet access. But with satellites, they orbit up there, so there is no worry about the laying of cables. For those staying in areas far from big towns like Nairobi, they can be serviced by satellite, and that will be better.”
Despite the excitement, one may wonder whether Starlink is worth the hype, given it is not the first satellite internet provider in Kenya. Ben Roberts, Chairperson of the ICT Sector at the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), offers a different perspective.
“Even with Starlink, the effect of Elon Musk himself and his popular X space platform has helped raise awareness. There’ll be other ones coming—Amazon is launching a service called Kuiper, and there’s another called OneWeb. Obviously, Amazon is very well known globally.”
For days, there have been talks about Safaricom partnering with Starlink to offer satellite internet services to its customers, but its parent company Vodafone has denied this.
NTV sat down with Safaricom’s Chief Executive Peter Ndegwa, who clarified the situation.
“There is no deal on the table yet, so I cannot comment on whether we will have a deal in the future. We would only get into a deal where it complements our investment and adds value to the experience and what it offers to our customers,” Ndegwa said.
When asked about the price comparisons that many are making to decide between the two services, he responded:
“We don’t just focus on the price. On our GSM, we have actually reduced prices by two-thirds in the last three to four years. If you focus on low prices and don’t provide a good experience, customers will run away.”
According to experts, competition is beneficial, and this is what the future of the internet looks like.
“In the US, we see rural towns where people have shifted to Starlink, but when terrestrial providers see the demand, they build networks. This is a great technology for expanding and reducing the digital divide in Kenya. It’s not a threat to existing operators; it will grow the market,” Roberts says.
In the end, it’s a win for the consumer.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.