starlink rental plan
Starlink Launches Affordable Hardware Rental Options in Kenya: A Game-Changer in Satellite Internet
If you’re living in Kenya and have found the cost of Starlink’s internet kit prohibitive, there’s good news: Starlink now offers an affordable hardware rental option. The Elon Musk-owned company unveiled this option on Wednesday, allowing customers to rent the Starlink internet kit for just $15.15 (KES 1,950) per month. This move is expected to make the service more accessible to a broader range of users, particularly in areas where traditional internet service providers (ISPs) struggle to reach.
Starlink’s Affordable Plans for Kenyan Users
The Starlink kit, which typically costs $350 (KES 45,000) to purchase, can now be rented with a one-time activation fee of $21. Customers can then choose between a 50GB plan for $10 (KES 1,300) or an unlimited data package for $50.50 (KES 6,500). Both plans offer impressive speeds of up to 200 Mbps, making them competitive with other options on the market. For those wondering, “how much is Starlink in Kenya?” or “is Starlink available in Kenya?” the answer is yes, and it’s now more affordable than ever.
Starlink’s Impact on the Kenyan Market
Since its launch in Kenya in July 2023, Starlink has seen rapid adoption, with the number of users growing more than tenfold. Initially, Kenya had only 405 satellite internet subscribers before Starlink’s arrival. Within two months of its launch, this number jumped to 1,354 and further increased to over 4,808 by March 2024. This growth highlights the strong demand for reliable internet services in Kenya, especially in rural and underserved areas.
Starlink’s entry into the Kenyan market has had a significant impact on local ISPs, forcing them to innovate and offer better services to retain their customers. For instance, Safaricom, Kenya’s leading ISP with over 522,000 fixed data subscriptions as of March 2024, has responded by introducing 4G and 5G routers to serve customers outside its fibre network coverage. The company announced plans for a satellite service in 2023 but has yet to launch it. Meanwhile, Jamii Telecoms, another major player with a strong presence in Nairobi, has been expanding its services to the outskirts of the city to compete more effectively in the home internet market.
The Growing Popularity of Starlink in Kenya
One of the key factors driving Starlink’s popularity in Kenya is its ability to reach customers in areas where traditional ISPs have limited coverage. This has made Starlink a popular choice for users dissatisfied with the slow or unreliable service provided by existing ISPs. The company’s promise to deliver broadband services to even the most remote parts of the country has resonated with many Kenyans, who have struggled with poor internet connectivity for years.
As of now, the number of Starlink users in Kenya remains under 5,000, but the service’s reputation continues to grow. This was particularly evident during last month’s anti-finance bill protests, when social media users accused the government of throttling internet speeds to suppress information. In such situations, Starlink’s satellite-based service provided a crucial alternative, keeping people connected when other networks faltered.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite its growing popularity, the high upfront cost of Starlink’s hardware has been a significant barrier for many potential users. However, the new rental option is expected to make the service more accessible, allowing more people to experience the benefits of high-speed satellite internet without the burden of expensive initial costs. This move could position Starlink as a formidable competitor to traditional ISPs in Kenya, especially as more people become aware of the service and its capabilities.
Moreover, Starlink’s ability to bypass the limitations of undersea cables, which have been damaged multiple times this year, causing widespread internet disruptions across Africa, further strengthens its appeal. During these outages, many businesses and individuals turned to Starlink as a reliable alternative, reinforcing its reputation as a dependable service.
Conclusion
With its affordable rental options, high-speed plans, and broad coverage, Starlink is poised to become a game-changer in Kenya’s internet landscape. Whether you’re curious about the “starlink cost” or interested in the “starlink kenya monthly cost,” the service now offers something for everyone. As the number of Starlink users continues to grow, it’s clear that this satellite internet service is here to stay, offering a viable alternative to traditional ISPs and bringing much-needed connectivity to underserved areas across Kenya.
About The Author
