Safaricom's Ambitious Satellite Internet Venture Takes on Starlink

Kenyan telecommunications company, Safaricom, has unveiled plans to enter the satellite Internet market, setting the stage for fierce competition with SpaceX's Starlink, an American space exploration firm. In a strategic move, Safaricom will join forces with AST SpaceMobile, a direct competitor to Starlink, to offer satellite-based Internet services.

AST SpaceMobile's Innovative Approach 

Safaricom aims to leverage AST SpaceMobile's cutting-edge satellite technology to enhance its broadband services, spanning Wi-Fi, cellular networks, and fiber optic cables. AST SpaceMobile, a US-based company, is pioneering a space-oriented network that provides satellite-based Internet access to even the most remote locations.

With a constellation of satellites capable of direct communication with common 4G smartphones, AST SpaceMobile offers cost-effective broadband connectivity to rural and underserved areas. Remarkably, it will be the first company to enable smartphones to connect directly to a space-based broadband network. Following successful initial testing in 2022, AST SpaceMobile's prototype satellite, Bluewalker 3, is now scheduled for an official trial in Kenya later this year.

Safaricom and Vodacom's Involvement

Safaricom, along with other African operators within the Vodacom group, will actively participate in the official trial conducted by AST SpaceMobile. Spanning 49 countries across Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean, this trial will employ a network of 200 satellites. It is worth noting that Vodacom and Vodafone hold stakes in Safaricom, underlining their commitment to driving technological advancements across the continent.

Upon successful completion of the trial, AST SpaceMobile, in collaboration with Vodacom, plans to expand its satellite deployments. This expansion will facilitate continuous communications to 4G devices not only across Africa but also beyond its borders.

Satellite Internet Market Competition: Safaricom's Challenge to Starlink

While Elon Musk's Starlink has already launched in various African nations, including Nigeria, Rwanda, and Mozambique, its entry into the Kenyan market is still pending. SpaceX has announced that its satellite-based services will be available in Kenya from the second quarter of 2023, but no official launch date has been confirmed.

Starlink has applied for a license to operate in Kenya; however, details regarding availability and pricing remain unclear. According to information displayed on Starlink's website, the service is estimated to cost KSh 6,500 per month, with an additional KSh 89,000 setup fee covering equipment such as a satellite dish and Wi-Fi router.

Safaricom's entry into the satellite Internet market poses a significant challenge to Starlink's aspirations. Leveraging its collaboration with AST SpaceMobile, which focuses on mobile phone connectivity, Safaricom may have an advantage in maintaining its market dominance in Kenya. However, challenges such as pricing could arise, potentially making Safaricom's satellite Internet service less accessible for budget-conscious customers reliant on affordable data bundles and free public Wi-Fi hotspots.

In a rapidly evolving industry, the Safaricom-AST SpaceMobile partnership promises to bring groundbreaking connectivity options to Kenya and potentially reshape the satellite Internet landscape across the African continent. As competition intensifies, it will be fascinating to witness how these players navigate challenges and push the boundaries of innovation to bridge the digital divide.