SpaceX’s Starlink is set to introduce its new ‘Starlink Mini’ antenna in Kenya later this year. Elon Musk, the visionary founder and CEO of SpaceX, recently confirmed the upcoming availability of the Starlink Mini in Kenya via his Twitter account.
Responding to a concerned Kenyan’s inquiry, Musk stated, “Starlink Mini will be available in Kenya later this year.” While the exact pricing for the Kenyan market remains undisclosed, the Mini currently retails for $599 (approximately KES 77,271) in the United States.
This development comes at a crucial time for the East African nation, which is currently experiencing political unrest and allegations of internet throttling.
Rising Popularity Amidst Political Tensions
The announcement of the Starlink Mini coincides with a growing interest in Starlink’s services within Kenya. This surge in popularity can be partially attributed to accusations that the government has been throttling internet speeds during ongoing protests.
As a satellite-based service, Starlink offers a potentially more resilient alternative to traditional internet infrastructure, making it less susceptible to local restrictions or interference.
In addition to the new hardware offering, Starlink has recently introduced a competitive 50GB data package in Kenya, priced at 1,300 Kenyan shillings per month. This package can be conveniently purchased through popular mobile money platforms such as M-Pesa or Airtel Money, provided users already possess Starlink hardware.
Addressing Cost Barriers with Limited-Time Offers
One of the primary obstacles for many Kenyans in adopting Starlink has been the substantial upfront cost of the hardware. To address this issue, Starlink implemented a limited-time offer, reducing the standard hardware cost from KES 92,000 to KES 39,500.
This offer, initially set to expire on June 10, 2024, is still available through authorized distributors such as Naivas, which continues to sell the Starlink hardware kit at the discounted price of KES 39,500. Additionally, Jumia Kenya offers the kit at a slightly higher, yet still discounted, price of KES 45,500.
The introduction of the more affordable and portable Starlink Mini has the potential to significantly expand satellite internet accessibility to a broader segment of the Kenyan population.
Its compact design and potential resistance to government interference could prove particularly valuable during periods of political tension or unrest.
Rapid Growth in Satellite Internet Adoption
Recent data from the Communication Authority of Kenya (CAK) revealed a notable increase in satellite internet adoption within the country.
The number of Kenyans utilizing satellite internet services more than doubled in the three months leading up to December 2023, a surge largely attributed to Starlink’s entry into the Kenyan market in July of the same year.
The combination of the new Starlink Mini, discounted hardware prices, and more affordable data plans is expected to further accelerate the growth of satellite internet users in Kenya.
Starlink Mini Advantages Over The Standard Kit
The Starlink Mini offers several advantages over the standard Starlink kit, especially if portability and ease of use are your priorities:
- Lighter and More Compact: The Mini is significantly lighter and more compact than the standard kit. The dish itself is roughly the size of a laptop, making it easy to carry around in a backpack.
- Faster Setup: Starlink advertises a setup time of just five minutes for the Mini.
- Lower Power Consumption: The Mini uses DC power and can run on as little as 20-40 watts, which can be powered by a compatible USB-C power bank. This makes it ideal for off-grid locations.
- Built-in Wi-Fi Router: Unlike the standard dish, the Mini has a built-in Wi-Fi router, eliminating the need for a separate device.
Starlink’s expansion in Kenya comes at a time when the country faces challenges with its traditional internet infrastructure, including disruptions caused by damage to undersea cables. The satellite-based service offers a robust alternative that is not dependent on ground-based infrastructure, potentially providing more reliable and consistent connectivity.
As Starlink continues to expand its presence in Kenya, the introduction of the Starlink Mini and more affordable service options could mark a significant turning point in the country’s internet landscape.
By providing a potentially more reliable and unrestricted alternative to traditional internet services, Starlink may play a crucial role in enhancing digital connectivity and fostering greater access to information for Kenyan citizens.
