Safaricom has expressed concerns over the arrival of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service in Kenya, calling on the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) to implement regulations for satellite internet providers. Starlink, operated by SpaceX, launched in Kenya in July 2023, offering competitive pricing and hardware rental options, which have quickly attracted attention in the market.
Safaricom, Kenya’s largest telecommunications company, has argued that satellite coverage like Starlink’s can potentially cross borders and offer services within Kenya without proper oversight, raising concerns about ‘harmful interference’ and other issues. This, they claim, underscores the need for government regulation to ensure a level playing field in the telecommunications industry.