Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite Internet service continues its global expansion, with the latest announcement confirming that the service is now available in 105 countries worldwide.

On August 29, Starlink revealed that 15 African nations are currently part of its growing network, with Botswana and Ghana being the most recent countries to approve the service.

Starlink is designed to deliver high-speed broadband internet to remote and underserved areas, using satellite technology to bypass the need for traditional infrastructure like fibre-optic cables.

In Kenya, the service was launched in July 2023, marking a significant development for the country’s Internet market. 

The introduction of Starlink is expected to intensify competition among local Internet service providers, thanks to its advanced technology and wide coverage.

In addition to Kenya, several other African countries have welcomed Starlink's satellite Internet services. 

These include Botswana, Mozambique, Ghana, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, South Sudan, Rwanda, Zambia, Madagascar, eSwatini, Benin, Reunion, and Mayotte which is part of the Comoro Islands. 

The company aims to extend its coverage to areas where traditional internet providers have been unable to reach, providing a solution for communities in hard-to-reach regions.

Kenya’s President William Ruto has been a vocal supporter of Starlink’s investment in the country. 

During a visit to the US in September 2023, Dr Ruto toured Starlink’s offices, emphasising the importance of affordable, high-speed Internet in fostering economic growth, particularly in rural areas. 

The president highlighted Starlink’s potential to enhance Internet connectivity in schools, villages, and other institutions, which could help unlock Kenya’s full digital potential. 

Dr Ruto’s advocacy aligns with Starlink’s mission of connecting underserved populations and reducing Internet package costs.

Starlink has positioned itself as a cost-effective alternative to traditional Internet providers. In Kenya, the company offers a 50GB data bundle for Sh1,300, significantly lower than Airtel’s Sh3,000 for the same amount of data and Safaricom’s 45GB plan priced at Sh2,500.

Starlink’s competitive pricing has made it a strong contender in Kenya’s Internet market, with more users expected to switch to the service in the coming months.

Additionally, the company has announced plans to allow mobile phones to connect directly to satellite Internet using advanced Evolved Node B technology. 

This innovation could further expand Starlink’s reach, making satellite Internet accessible to even more users without the need for additional hardware.

As Starlink continues to expand across Africa, it promises to revolutionise Internet access in remote regions, helping to bridge the digital divide and improve connectivity for millions.