Starlink’s Internet to be accessed via mobile phone connection

Starlink, owned by American billionaire Elon Musk, is stepping up competition with fiber Internet providers by introducing a new plan to allow mobile phone users to directly connect to its satellite Internet without the need for hardware routers.

The company plans to deploy advanced Evolved Node B (eNodeB) technology to enable this connection.

According to tech expert Moses Kemibaro, one of the main challenges for Starlink in attracting new users has been the high cost of hardware.

Currently, Starlink competes with traditional internet service providers (ISPs), offering discounted rates and even introducing rental options in countries like Kenya to broaden its reach.

Mr Kemibaro believes that if Starlink successfully achieves mass adoption through mobile connectivity, it could drastically shake up the market share of existing ISPs.

"If Starlink reaches critical mass, it could significantly disrupt consumer and business internet services," Mr Kemibaro noted.

The new eNodeB modem will function similarly to a standard roaming connection and act as a virtual cell phone tower in space.

The company says the modem is compatible with 4G-LTE mobile phones, allowing users to access satellite internet without the need for a hardware kit, which typically costs around Sh29,000.

For this plan to succeed, Starlink will need to collaborate with local telecom operators to use their LTE spectrum, similar to how roaming services work.

Additionally, regulatory approval will be essential for deploying the eNodeB globally.

In Kenya, Safaricom has raised concerns about Starlink's growing presence in the market, urging the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to regulate the satellite internet provider.

Safaricom argues that satellite coverage may cross borders, potentially providing illegal services and causing "harmful interference," making regulation a necessity.