Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service provider, has paused new customer subscriptions in Nairobi and five nearby Kenyan regions—Kiambu, Machakos, Narok, Murang’a, and Nakuru. The move comes as high demand has overwhelmed the network’s capacity, raising questions about Starlink’s ability to scale effectively in densely populated regions. The company announced that Nairobi and its surrounding areas are at network capacity, meaning the current bandwidth cannot support additional residential or roaming customers. Starlink stated they are working to restore service in these areas, and notifications will be sent once subscriptions reopen.
Starlink’s popularity in Kenya surged since its launch in July 2023, with its user base expanding over tenfold, largely due to competitive pricing and promotions. For instance, the company offered a $15.15 monthly kit rental in August, making its service more accessible compared to the typical upfront hardware cost of $350. This has been particularly attractive for users in Kenya, where affordability is a key factor in internet access.
The service, known for its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites positioned about 1,000 km above Earth, provides high-speed connectivity of up to 300Gbps. However, network capacity has become a limiting factor, especially in densely populated areas with high demand.
Local ISP Pushback and Regulatory Concerns
Starlink’s expansion has also drawn criticism from local internet providers, notably Safaricom, who argue that satellite internet providers like Starlink pose a threat to local ISPs. In July, Safaricom urged the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to scrutinize the entry of satellite providers, warning of potential risks to local businesses and lobbying to restrict international satellite providers without local partnerships. If successful, Safaricom’s appeal could prevent companies like Starlink from offering independent services in Kenya.
As Starlink works on expanding its network capacity, the pause in subscriptions signals potential issues with scalability in urban areas. The response from both Starlink and local ISPs, along with regulatory decisions by the CA, will likely shape the future of satellite internet’s role in Kenya’s telecommunications sector.