Starlink has launched a more affordable Starlink kit, known as Starlink Mini.
In an official statement released on Thursday, September 26, 2024, Starlink said that Kenyan internet users can now buy and access the kit at a lower price than the standard kit.
“Starlink Mini is now available in Kenya! Stay connected with high-speed internet at home or on the go,” the statement read.
Price
The Starlink Mini kit is priced at Ksh.27,000, with a monthly internet subscription starting at Ksh.1,300. The standard kit currently costs Ksh.45,000, and the monthly subscription starts at Ksh.6,500.
The mini kit offers three pricing packages. The lowest package offers 50GB for Ksh.1,300 per month, while the residential lite package costs Ksh.4,000. The premium residential package offers up to 200 Mbps for Ksh.6500.
Coverage
The new Starlink Mini kit is more compact and portable, and it aims to address the high hardware cost of the standard kit.
The mini option offers speeds of up to 200 Mbps and can connect up to 128 devices simultaneously. The standard kit connects up to 235 devices.
The mini offers lower coverage than the standard kit. It covers up to 112 square meters, compared to the 297 square meters covered by the standard kit.
Launch in Kenya
Starlink entered the Kenyan market in June 2023. Initially, the Starlink kit cost Ksh.74,000, but the company has reviewed its price and offerings to entice its customers.
Earlier this year, Starlink reduced the standard kit prices to Ksh.39,500.
Recently, Starlink reviewed its prices again to Ksh.29,000, and customers can now order the kits online from Jumia and Carrefour.
The communication giant has also introduced a kit rental plan for customers who cannot afford the one-time cost. Customers will pay a one-time activation fee of Ksh.2700 and a monthly hardware rental cost of Ksh.1,950, while internet plans start at Ksh.1,300 for a 50GB plan.
Protests against Starlink entry
Starlink entry into Kenya has rattled local internet providers, with Safaricom asking the Communications Authority to review its decision to grant a license to Starlink.
In response to the complaints, the regulator said it welcomed concerns regarding independent satellite providers but did not revoke Starlink’s license.
Speaking at the Kenya Business and Investment Roundtable in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly 2024, President Ruto said Starlink’s entry to Kenya is good for Kenya and will encourage local internet providers to innovate.
“I have my CEO for Safaricom here, sometimes he is not happy with me for bringing in some other characters like Elon Musk and others in the space,” the President said.
“But you see, I keep encouraging Peter that competition helps you keep ahead, and he has been doing good; I must say he has upped his game, so we want to keep that space competitive,” he added.
In response to the growing competition, Safaricom has enhanced its fiber internet speeds for home and business customers. It has also introduced a new 1000 Mbps platinum package that will cost Ksh.20,000 per month.