Safaricom, Kenya’s largest telecom, aims to offer satellite internet. Later this year, Elon Musk’s Starlink will visit Kenya. Satellite internet connections may be more disruptive than 5G internet.
AST SpaceMobile, a Starlink competitor, will provide Safaricom’s satellite internet. Vodacom, which owns Safaricom, invests in AST SpaceMobile.
Texas-based AST SpaceMobile is constructing a satellite-based network to offer internet access to remote areas. The space-based internet network will also function with normal cell phones. This company’s being the first is significant.
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Safaricom might expand its broadband offerings through Wi-Fi, cellular networks, and fiber optic connections using AST SpaceMobile’s satellite internet. AST SpaceMobile’s prototype satellite, Bluewalker 3, was tested last year, according to Vodacom’s annual report. The satellite was prepared for a Kenyan trial in Q2 2023.
The report explains how satellites transmit the internet. Vodacom said, “After the trial is finished successfully, AST SpaceMobile will work with Vodacom to increase the number of satellites they use to connect 4G devices everywhere in Africa and beyond.”
The money made by AST SpaceMobile, Safaricom, and other Vodacom companies will be split in half. To keep the deal going, both parties decided to maintain field exclusivity.
Safaricom’s satellite affects Starlink in Kenya
Starlink is already offered in a number of African countries, like Nigeria, Rwanda, and Mozambique. Sierra Leone gave the company that Musk owns a license to do business last month. This makes Sierra Leone the fifth country on the continent to welcome a satellite internet provider.
Even though Starlink was a newbie in Nigeria in Q1 of 2023, it had the fastest average download speed compared to other ISPs. Even though there are worries about how well it will work in bad weather like a storm, Starlink has shown that it shouldn’t be taken lightly.
In January, Starlink joined Kenya, which is a market where Safaricom is the leader in mobile money and the internet. Last year, Safaricom was the first 5G provider in Kenya. Even though Airtel joined the party, Safaricom is still the most important company in East Africa.
Safaricom could be a competitor to Starlink in the market for satellite internet. AST SpaceMobile, which is a partner of Safaricom, focuses on mobile phones, which could help Safaricom keep its top spot. But Starlink’s plan is important.
The IT company gave high-speed internet to schools in Rwanda. Many students can now go to school online and improve their computer skills. Starlink might do well if it goes after a similar market. Last month, Starlink said it would offer satellite internet. Kenyans hope it won’t take long.