Safaricom PLC has responded to reports spread by a section of Kenyans on the alleged cancellation of payment option for Starlink subscriptions through M-PESA.
In a statement, the company responded to Gathogo Mwangi, a user on X, who shared a post stating that the M-PESA payment option for Starlink’s services had been terminated.
“WAR IS WAR Safaricom has canceled the payment of STARLINK Internet Via M-PESA,” stated Gathogo.
Also Read: Will Starlink Dethrone Safaricom? Experts Explain How to Choose the Best Wi-Fi
Safaricom Issues Response to the Statement
The telecommunication company has, however, addressed the concerns raised, indicating that the reports were false.
Further, Safaricom asked Gathogo to reach out in case he was facing any payment challenges. According to the Peter Ndegwa-led organization, the payment option was still available for users.
“Bwana Gathogo. This isn’t factual, the option is still there. Please reach out to us in case of any challenges faced,” stated Safaricom.
However, X user Wesley Kibade has insisted that the claims are true saying that the issue is with the global pay system.
“Your Mpesa Global virtual card declines to pay. That’s what he meant,” he responded.
At the same time, Muthan Mosseh opined that tech billionaire Elon Musk should venture into the Mobile money services in Kenya to get rid of monopoly from other providers.
“Elon Musk should also consider venturing into the Mobile money services in Kenya,” he stated.
Also, X user KwaChiffu lamented that paying for the Starlink services via M-PESA was still more expensive compared to making transactions directly from the bank.
Also Read: Details of Letter Safaricom Wrote to CA After Entry of Starlink in Kenya
Demand Letter Sent to the Telco
On the other hand, the Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) has written to the telco demanding that it issues sufficient information on the alleged deactivation or suspension of any M-Pesa Paybill and or Till Number.
The federation has indicated that it has received “disturbing reports” of the allegations following the letter Safaricom wrote to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) dated July 5, 2024.
“Kindly but urgently confirm if this is the right position. Should it be in the affirmative, we demand that you rescind the decision with immediate effect on account of.
“Sufficient reasons for deactivating and or suspending any M-Pesa Paybill and or Till Number must be provided. The affected party’s right to be heard is non-negotiable,” read the statement by COFEK.
COFEK has termed the move as illegal adding that punishing Starlink is punishing Kenyan Consumers. Consequently, it will be taking legal action against Safaricom and line Government agencies if the telco does not issue a response in 24 hours.
Earlier, details of a letter sent by Safaricom to ask the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) asking them to regulate the entry of satellite internet service providers in Kenya caused uproar online.
In the letter, Safaricom expressed concerns about the granting of independent licenses to satellite internet providers, asking the authority to consider asking satellite providers to operate as “infrastructure providers” to mobile network like it does.
As of Friday, August 23, 2024, Starlink had established its presence in several African countries including Kenya, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Mozambique, Eswatini, Rwanda, Benin, Zambia, Madagascar and Malawi.
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