Safaricom has turbocharged its fibre internet speeds, directly responding to Elon Musk's Starlink's rapid growth since its entry last year.
Kenya’s leading mobile operator, Safaricom, has upped the ante in the broadband battle by doubling the speeds of its fibre internet packages. This strategic upgrade comes as Starlink, a global satellite internet provider, steadily gains traction in Kenya’s market since launching in June 2023.
Under Safaricom's revised plans, customers on the 10 Mbps package will now enjoy 15 Mbps at the same price of KES 3,000 ($23), while the 20 Mbps plan has been upgraded to 30 Mbps. The 40 Mbps package has been doubled to 80 Mbps, and the 100 Mbps plan has been significantly boosted fivefold to 500 Mbps, costing KES 12,500 ($97). For the first time, Safaricom now offers gigabit speeds, reaching up to 1 Gbps for KES 20,000 ($155).
Safaricom isn’t stopping at speed enhancements. The company has also introduced a family share plan that combines mobile voice, data, SMS, and home internet into a single, more affordable package. This bundle can be shared among up to five family members, offering up to 20% savings compared to individual plans.
"We have enhanced our Home Internet speeds to meet the increasing demand and usage, providing reliable connectivity and enhanced value for our customers," said Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa in a statement released on Monday.
In addition to these upgrades, Safaricom plans to launch estate clinics, boost network capacity in congested areas, and extend 4G and 5G options to homes beyond fibre coverage. For businesses, the ISP is offering dedicated plans ranging from 15 Mbps for micro-companies to 100 Mbps for growing enterprises.
These developments come amid growing competition from Starlink, which registered over 4,000 customers within its first year in Kenya. Starlink offers speeds up to 200 Mbps at KES 6,500 ($50), along with a 50 GB package for KES 1,300 and a rental option for customers unable to purchase its KES 45,000 kit
Notably, Safaricom previously appealed to the Communications Authority (CA) to block independent satellite internet providers like Starlink operating from abroad. The regulator backed Safaricom's concerns, signaling an intensifying rivalry in Kenya's internet market.aricom, Kenya's leading mobile operator, has significantly increased its fibre internet speeds to compete with Starlink, Elon Musk's satellite internet service, which is quickly gaining ground in the local broadband market. This strategic move addresses the increasing demand for faster, more reliable internet access, particularly in areas where Starlink has been gaining traction.
The key upgrades include doubling speeds across various packages: the 10 Mbps connection now offers 15 Mbps for KES 3,000 ($23), while the 20 Mbps plan has been enhanced to 30 Mbps. Customers on the 40 Mbps plan can now enjoy speeds of 80 Mbps, and those on the 100 Mbps plan can access up to 500 Mbps, with a new gigabit-speed option of 1 Gbps available for KES 20,000 ($97).
In addition, Safaricom has introduced a family share plan mobile bundle and home internet services, allowing up to five family members to share the plan at a discount of up to 20% compared to individual purchases. This initiative aims to enhance connectivity while competing with Starlink's high-speed, cost-effective satellite solutions.
“We have upgraded our Home Internet speeds to address the growing demand and usage, ensuring reliable connectivity and greater value for our customers," stated Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa in a statement shared with TechCabal.
Safaricom is focused on enhancing customer satisfaction by expanding its network. the company plans to conduct estate clinics, boost capacity in congested areas, and offer 4G and 5G options for homes outside fibre coverage.
Businesses of all sizes can take advantage of Safaricom's tailored internet plans, ranging from a shared 15 Mbps connection for micro companies to dedicated 100 Mbps bandwidth for growing enterprises.
This aggressive response follows Starlink's entry into the Kenyan market in June 2023, where it quickly registered over 4,000 customers by June 2024, offering speeds up to 200 Mbps with flexible pricing options. Starlink has presented a significant challenge to traditional internet service providers.
In July 2023, Safaricom petitioned the Communications Authority (CA) to block independent satellite internet providers like Starlink. The regulator supported Safaricom's stance, recognizing the need to protect domestic internet service providers and ensure fair competition.
