The mood in Kenya is shifting following the quiet resumption of operations by Starlink, the satellite internet service provider owned by Elon Musk.
Seven months prior, Starlink temporarily halted activations and new user sign-ups on its platform, citing network congestion. The growing number of Starlink kit purchases in Kenya had strained the system. Its capacity was initially designed to support only a limited number of users within each satellite coverage area, leading to an swift overload.
As of June, reports from Kenyans in several affected regions confirm the satellite ISP is operational once more. The service promises enhanced rural coverage and internet speeds reaching up to 100 megabits per second (Mbps). The reactivation suggests that Starlink has likely resolved its network capacity issues and is now equipped to manage a larger user base. Rural populations can once again register for the service and anticipate a faster, more dependable internet experience.
Despite its return, Starlink faces significant operational challenges moving forward. Kenyan regulators are considering plans to substantially increase licence fees for satellite ISPs, proposing a tenfold hike to $\$155,331$. Furthermore, they plan to introduce a 2% levy on the providers’ turnover. While these new costs will particularly impact smaller operators, Starlink’s primary concern may be the long term sustainability of its service model. Should regulatory pressure intensify and user demand once again exceed network capacity, consumers might ultimately be subjected to paying premium rates for a potentially inconsistent service.
Another persistent challenge is Starlink’s limited local presence. The company operates without a physical office, a customer service hotline, or local repair infrastructure in Kenya, relying solely on its mobile application, the hardware dish, and communication channels like Elon Musk’s social media. As some users experienced during the service interruption last year, customer support often proves to be an area of significant difficulty.
For the time being, Starlink is back online. Its renewed presence is set to intensify competition within Kenya’s internet service provision market.
