As Kenyan youth protest against high taxes on internet data services, SpaceX founder Elon Musk announced on Wednesday (June 26) that Kenya would begin enjoying cheaper internet access later this year through Starlink.
Elon Musk made the statement after multiple complaints from Kenyans that setting up Starlink was expensive.
Additionally, Kenyans complain about the stability of other internet service providers because they use underwater cables.
The destruction or compromise of these maritime cables regularly causes a partial internet outage in Kenya.
Starlink, on the other hand, uses satellites and as such will not be affected by the destruction of undersea cables, although its internet strength may be affected by extreme weather conditions such as strong storms, because the signal strength decreases as it passes through moisture-laden clouds.
“Starlink Mini will cost about half the standard price of the terminal and will be available later this year,” Elon Musk assured Kenyans.
Currently, Starlink offers a 50GB data plan for Ksh 1,300 per month (around $10/month), competing with top telecom companies in the country.
Although the package is relatively inexpensive, Kenyans wishing to join the service are initially charged Ksh 45,000 (around $350) for installation materials.
When it comes to X, which is also owned by Elon Musk, Kenyans have complained about the high cost of investing in the current package and demanded a cheaper alternative.
Elon Musk’s proposed Starlink Mini will be a satellite internet antenna small enough to allow for portability.
According to SpaceX, the Starlink will be about the size of a laptop and will be an ideal internet solution for Kenyans on the go.
Elon Musk did not reveal how much the product would cost Kenyans, but assured that it would be more affordable than the current package.
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