Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service has launched in 6 African countries so far, but installation costs vary significantly between them. According to a Business Daily analysis, Kenya and Mozambique are being charged the highest prices to install Starlink dishes compared to Nigeria, Rwanda, Zambia and Malawi.
The main cost driver is purchasing the Starlink hardware kit, which includes the satellite dish, mount, cables and power supply. Prices range from $392 (Ksh 58,000) in Nigeria to $634 (Ksh 93,690) in Mozambique – a 38% difference of over $240 (Ksh 35,500).
Detailed Breakdown of Starlink Installation Costs Across Africa
Mozambique has the highest hardware kit price at $634, followed closely by Kenya at $597. On the other end of the spectrum, Nigeria has the lowest kit cost at $392, with Rwanda ($398), Zambia ($499) and Malawi ($569) falling somewhere in between.
Monthly subscription fees for the internet service are generally similar across these African countries, averaging around $65 per month in Kenya. Shipping and handling fees for the kit are also comparable at approximately $30.
Adding it all up, a user in Kenya pays Ksh 98,599 ($661) upfront to cover the hardware, shipping fees and first month of service. A user in Nigeria pays a significantly lower Ksh 69,113 ($463) to install Starlink – over $200 less than in Kenya.
Understanding Starlink’s Satellite-Based Internet Technology
Starlink consists of a vast network of small satellites in low Earth orbit, flying at altitudes between 340 and 1200 kilometers high. User terminals on the ground automatically align themselves with the passing satellites overhead, allowing for a continuous and stable internet connection.
Also Read: Starlink lost over 200 satellites in two months
This innovative satellite technology supports services not possible with traditional ground-based internet infrastructure. It allows unmodified smartphones to connect to the satellites even in areas with limited coverage.
A major benefit of Starlink is its potential to deliver high-speed internet with low latency, making it ideal for rural or remote areas where fiber optic and cable internet connections are unreliable or nonexistent.
Challenges Starlink Faces to Widespread Adoption in Africa
While Starlink promises significantly improved internet connectivity, the relatively high upfront costs for purchasing and installing the kit could limit adoption among rural communities in Africa.
The $600+ hardware cost alone is nearly 10 times what competing satellite internet services charge for equipment. This premium pricing could put Starlink out of reach for many lower-income rural households.
Also Read: Starlink is now available in Kenya: Here’s everything you need to know
To boost market penetration, Starlink recently appointed e-commerce platform Jumia as its first distributor of satellite dishes and connectivity kits in Africa.
Jumia will assist Starlink in selling terminals in areas lacking formal addresses and city mapping infrastructure. However, the fundamental affordability issues remain.
Future Outlook and Recommendations for Starlink’s Viability in Africa
More African countries like Tanzania, Comoros, Mauritius, Eswatini and Sierra Leone are slated for Starlink launches in 2023. The service has potential to be transformative, connecting remote schools, hospitals and businesses with high-speed, low-latency internet.
But the premium pricing across most markets may position Starlink as a luxury service rather than a rural internet connectivity solution. Lowering hardware costs and developing installment payment plans could make Starlink more financially accessible for average consumers across Africa.
Partnerships with governments, charities and organizations to subsidize or donate Starlink kits to rural communities could also accelerate adoption.
Overall, while Starlink has immense potential to positively impact African internet access and development, its current pricing strategy could hamper widespread usage. More affordable solutions tailored to African markets will be key for Starlink’s success across the continent.
