In recent years, internet connectivity has become an essential part of our daily lives. From remote work to online education and entertainment, the internet has become a crucial resource.
However, not everyone has access to reliable and high-speed internet, especially in remote or rural areas. This is where Starlink, a satellite internet service provider, comes into play.
With its innovative satellite technology, Starlink aims to provide high-speed internet to even the most remote locations around the world, including Kenya.
In this article, we will explore Starlink’s internet packages and prices in Kenya and how they compare to other internet service providers in the country.
Whats is Starlink?
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, a private American space exploration company founded by Elon Musk. It is designed to provide high-speed internet access to people all around the world, particularly those living in remote or rural areas where traditional terrestrial internet infrastructure is not available or unreliable.
The Starlink network consists of thousands of small satellites that are placed in low Earth orbit, approximately 550 kilometers above the Earth’s surface. These satellites are designed to communicate with user terminals on the ground, which can be installed on homes, businesses, and other locations.
The satellites communicate with each other using laser links, allowing for rapid and efficient data transmission across the network. Because the satellites are in low Earth orbit, they can provide low-latency, high-bandwidth internet access to users.
Currently, Starlink is in its beta testing phase, with service being rolled out to select areas in North America, Europe, and other parts of the world. The goal of the project is to eventually provide high-speed internet access to everyone on the planet, regardless of location or economic status.
How Starlink works
Most satellite internet services come from single geostationary satellites that orbit the planet at 35,786 km.
As a result, the round trip data time between the user and satellite, also known as latency is high, making it nearly impossible to support streaming, online gaming, video calls or other high data rate activities.
Starlink is a constellation of thousands of satellites that orbit the planet much closer to Earth, at about 550km, and cover the entire globe. Because Starlink satellites are in a low orbit, latency is significantly lower; around 25 ms vs 600+ ms.
Starlink packages and prices in Kenya
By the time of publishing this article, Starlink’s internet service was capped at $110 per month, with an one-time hardware cost of $599.
It is good to note that Kenya’s exact packages and prices are yet to be officially announced although Starlink promised affordable and reliable internet services.
Below is a simplified table showing Starlink internet packages and prices in Kenya.
Plan | Download Speed | Price in USD | Price in Ksh | One-time Hardware Cost | Data Cap |
Starlink Residential | Up to 250 Mbps | $110 | Ksh 14,960 | $599 | None |
Starlink Business | Up to 500 Mbps | $500 | Ksh 68,000 | $2,500 | None |
Starlink RV | Up to 250 Mbps | $135 | Ksh 18,360 | $599 | None |
Starlink Maritime | Up to 350 Mbps | $5,000 | Ksh 680,000 | $10,000 | None |
NB: The price in Ksh are based on the exchange of 1 United States Dollar equals 136.85 Kenyan Shillings.
FAQ
What is Starlink?
Starlink is a satellite internet service provided by SpaceX, which is designed to provide fast and reliable internet access to people in areas where traditional terrestrial internet infrastructure is lacking or non-existent.
How does Starlink work?
Starlink works by using a constellation of small, low-earth orbiting satellites to provide internet access. Users can connect to the internet using a Starlink dish, which communicates with the nearest Starlink satellite and then connects to the internet.
How fast is Starlink?
Starlink internet speeds can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the number of users connected to a particular satellite and the user’s location.
However, SpaceX has claimed that Starlink can provide download speeds of up to 1 Gbps and upload speeds of up to 50 Mbps.
How much does Starlink cost?
Currently, the cost of a Starlink subscription is $99 per month, and the Starlink kit, which includes a Starlink dish and other necessary equipment, costs $499.
When will Starlink be available?
Starlink is currently available in select areas in the United States, Canada, and other countries. SpaceX is working to expand the coverage area of Starlink and make it available to more people around the world.
How many satellites are in the Starlink constellation?
As of May 2023, there are over 4,500 Starlink satellites in orbit. SpaceX plans to launch thousands more in the coming years to further expand the coverage area of Starlink.
Will Starlink replace traditional internet service providers?
It is possible that Starlink could eventually replace traditional internet service providers in some areas. However, it is more likely that Starlink will be used to complement existing internet infrastructure and provide internet access to areas where traditional infrastructure is lacking.
What are the advantages of using Starlink?
The main advantages of using Starlink are that it can provide fast and reliable internet access to people in areas where traditional infrastructure is lacking, and it is not subject to the same geographical limitations as terrestrial internet infrastructure.
What are the disadvantages of using Starlink?
The main disadvantages of using Starlink are that it can be expensive compared to traditional internet service, and it is not yet available in all areas. Additionally, some people have raised concerns about the environmental impact of launching so many satellites into orbit.
Can I use Starlink for gaming or streaming?
Yes, Starlink can be used for gaming or streaming. However, as with any internet service, the quality of the connection can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the number of users connected to a particular satellite and the user’s location.