Digital Barker
  • Home
  • Startups
    • News
    • Opportunities
  • Tech
    • Tech Support
  • Videos
No Result
View All Result
Digital Barker
  • Home
  • Startups
    • News
    • Opportunities
  • Tech
    • Tech Support
  • Videos
No Result
View All Result
Digital Barker

Safaricom Set To Launch Satellite Internet to Challenge SpaceX’s Starlink in Kenya

Precious by Precious
July 29, 2023
0
Ethiopia’s Mobile Money Market Heats Up as Safaricom Secures License

Kenyan telecommunications giant Safaricom is set to enter the satellite internet market and compete with SpaceX’s Starlink. Safaricom plans to collaborate with Texas-based AST SpaceMobile, a rival of Starlink, to offer hi-speed satellite internet services in Kenya.

Utilising a constellation of satellites that can directly communicate with standard 4G smartphones, AST SpaceMobile is developing a space-oriented network that provides satellite-based internet access to remote areas. This technology enables low-cost broadband connectivity in rural and remote regions, making it the first company to offer services of this kind.

AST SpaceMobile’s prototype satellite, Bluewalker 3, underwent initial testing in 2022 and is scheduled for an official trial in Kenya later this year. The trial will involve the participation of Safaricom and other African operators within the Vodacom group. After the trial, AST SpaceMobile plans to expand its satellite deployments with Vodacom’s collaboration to provide continuous communication to 4G devices across Africa and beyond.

How to use chatGPT to make money

ADVERTISEMENT

In contrast, Starlink, owned by Elon Musk, has already launched its satellite-based services in several African countries, including Nigeria, Rwanda, and Mozambique. Starlink has also received operational license in Sierra Leone and has applied for one in Kenya, but the availability and cost of its services remain unclear.

Safaricom’s entry into the satellite internet market poses a significant challenge to Starlink, especially with its partnership with AST SpaceMobile, which focuses on mobile phone connectivity.

Safaricom aims to leverage AST SpaceMobile’s satellite internet technology to enhance its existing broadband services, including Wi-Fi, cellular networks, and fiber optic cables. However, challenges may arise regarding the pricing of Safaricom’s satellite internet service, as it might be expensive for budget-conscious customers who rely on affordable data bundles and free public Wi-Fi hotspots.

The partnership between Safaricom and AST SpaceMobile is supported by their parent company, Vodacom, which is also an investor in the satellite internet provider. The successful trial and subsequent expansion of satellite deployments are expected to generate revenue, with AST SpaceMobile sharing profits equally with Safaricom and other Vodacom subsidiaries. Starlink, on the other hand, has already gained traction in African markets, showcasing impressive performance despite concerns about adverse weather conditions.

As Safaricom aims to challenge Starlink’s dominance in Kenya, its collaboration with AST SpaceMobile and its focus on mobile phone connectivity could give it an edge. However, the outcome will depend on how Starlink responds to this competition.

Starlink’s success in Rwanda, where it provided high-speed internet to schools, demonstrates the potential for targeting specific markets to improve digital literacy and online learning opportunities. Kenyans hope for swift access to satellite internet services and a more competitive landscape in the country’s telecommunications sector.

ShareTweetPin

More Stories

AI powered Google Ads
News

Google Introduces AI-Powered Campaign Tools For African Businesses

2 days ago
Nigeria Launches First Indigenous AI Software To Transform Education.
News

Nigeria Launches First Indigenous AI Software To Transform Education.

2 weeks ago
Zone
News

Zone Proposes Regulated Ethereum-Style Blockchain With Built-In Compliance for Africa

3 weeks ago

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

Trending Stories

Flutterwave Expands to Zambia with New Payment Licence

Airtel, MTN Under Investigation for Hidden Mobile Money Charges

Accrue Raises $1.58M to Scale Cross-Border Payments Across Africa

TikTok Faces Ban in the U.S.: What Happened?

Meta Replaces Fact-Checking with Community Notes: Implications for Africa’s Misinformation Battle

New Telecom Tariffs in Nigeria: NCC to Announce Adjustments Amid Rising Costs

AI World Models: The Future of Generative Video, Robotics, and Intelligent Decision-Making

PalmPay Partners with Jumia to Revolutionize Online Shopping Payments in Nigeria.

Choosing a Career in Tech

Meta Faces $220 Million Fine in Nigeria Over Data Privacy Violations

  • About
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
  • Jobs

© 2025 Digital Barker

 
Required 'Candidate' login to applying this job. Click here to logout And try again
 

Login to your account

  • Forgot Password? | Sign Up

Reset Password

  • Already have an account? Login

Enter the username or e-mail you used in your profile. A password reset link will be sent to you by email.

Signup to your Account

Choose your Account Type
  • Candidate I want to discover awesome companies.
  • Employer I want to attract the best talent.
  • By clicking checkbox, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy

    Already have an account? Login

Close
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Startups
    • News
    • Opportunities
  • Tech
    • Tech Support
  • Videos

© 2025 Digital Barker

 

Answers

 

Account Activation

Before you can login, you must activate your account with the code sent to your email address. If you did not receive this email, please check your junk/spam folder. Click here to resend the activation email. If you entered an incorrect email address, you will need to re-register with the correct email address.