Safaricom, Kenya’s leading telecom provider, is gearing up to introduce satellite Internet services, this is according to an article by the Business Daily. Interestingly, this development comes at a time when Elon Musk’s Starlink is also gearing up to launch a similar offering in Kenya. These satellite-based Internet connections have the potential to disrupt the traditional telecoms services that heavily rely on infrastructure, leaving many remote and rural areas without coverage.
What is Satellite Internet?
Satellite internet is a type of internet service that uses satellites in space to connect you to the internet. Instead of relying on traditional cables and infrastructure, satellite internet beams signals from space directly to a satellite dish at your home or office. This technology is particularly beneficial for people in remote or rural areas, where traditional internet options may not be available, to access the internet. It’s like having a connection from the sky!
Strategic Partnership with AST SpaceMobile
In a strategic move, Safaricom is partnering with AST SpaceMobile, a prominent rival of Starlink. AST SpaceMobile, in which Vodafone Group Plc (Safaricom’s parent company) is an investor, will provide the technology behind this innovative service. According to Vodacom Group Limited’s latest annual report, AST SpaceMobile’s BlueWalker 3 satellite underwent preliminary testing in 2022, followed by a formal trial in Q2 of 2023. Safaricom, in collaboration with Vodacom, participated in this trial in Kenya.
Also Read: What Is Starlink And When Will It Be Available In Kenya?
Upon successful completion of the trial, AST SpaceMobile plans to expand its satellite deployments in partnership with Vodacom to deliver ubiquitous communications to 4G devices across Africa and beyond. This move is expected to significantly improve Internet access in areas where traditional telecom infrastructure is limited.
AST SpaceMobile’s Progress: Building the First Space-Based Mobile Broadband Network
Texas-based AST SpaceMobile is at the forefront of building the world’s first space-based mobile broadband network, directly accessible by standard mobile phones. With this pioneering technology, users will be able to access high-speed data services through their existing smartphones, marking a major leap forward in connectivity options.
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The introduction of space-based data services will complement existing offerings provided by telcos, which rely on fibre optic cables, Wi-Fi, and cellular networks. Safaricom, along with other Vodafone affiliates, has entered into a revenue-sharing agreement with AST SpaceMobile on a 50/50 basis. Additionally, the parties have agreed to maintain mutual exclusivity in their markets to ensure the success of this exciting partnership.
Safaricom’s Satellite Internet: Empowering Kenya’s Digital Future
AST SpaceMobile’s ambitious operations encompass building a satellite constellation—a space-based cellular broadband network that enables unmodified smartphones to connect to satellites in areas with limited coverage. This groundbreaking initiative holds the potential to bridge the digital divide and bring reliable Internet connectivity to even the most remote corners of the African continent and beyond. As competition in the satellite Internet space heats up, consumers can look forward to an era of improved accessibility and connectivity like never before.
