There have been reports indicating that Safaricom, a major telecommunications company in Kenya, has allegedly written to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) expressing concerns about the entry of Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, into the Kenyan market.
Safaricom’s concerns reportedly revolve around the potential for Starlink to disrupt the local market, particularly in terms of pricing and competition.
As Starlink offers high-speed internet services via satellite, it could pose a significant challenge to traditional telecom providers who rely on terrestrial infrastructure.
Safaricom might be pushing for the CAK to ensure that Starlink complies with the same regulatory requirements and standards that local providers must adhere to. This could involve issues such as licensing, taxation, and adherence to data protection laws.The entry of Starlink into Kenya could provide a boost to internet connectivity, especially in rural and underserved areas, but it also raises questions about the impact on the existing telecom ecosystem.