Starlink: Cost, Advantages & Limitations of Internet Provider

Starlink: Cost, Advantages & How the Satellite Internet Service Works

American satellite internet service provider Starlink introduced a kit rental option in Kenya to offer an accessible solution for customers taking on local internet providers.

The offer allows customers to pay a one-time activation fee of Ksh 2,700 and rent the Starlink equipment at a monthly rate of Ksh 1,950.

However, these costs are separate from the monthly internet service plans, which start at Ksh 1,300 for a 50GB plan or an unlimited package for Ksh 6,500.

Without the rental option, users would need to purchase the hardware kit at a standard price of Ksh 45,500 to access the service

This contrasts with the model adopted by local telcos, where users only need to activate a registered SIM card.

The company said the rental option gives customers the same internet speeds of up to 200Mbps.

A Starlink satellite internet system. Photo/Reuters

Also Read: Elon Musk’s Starlink Reduces Internet Prices in Kenya

Enter Into Kenyan Market

The service provider came to Kenya in July 2023, setting the stage for intensified competition with local players.

At the time, the company, which is an outgrowth of Elon Musk’s space technology firm SpaceX, appointed local internet provider Karibu Connect as its first authorized reseller in the country.

In October, Starlink further expanded its presence by appointing e-commerce platform Jumia Technologies as its first distributor of satellite terminals and connectivity kits in Africa.

Jumia used Kenya and Nigeria as launch pads before rolling out the distributorship across the continent.

Its entry into Kenyan market last year was sluggish due to high cost of its hardware kit, which retailed at Ksh 89,000.

How Starlink Works

Unlike traditional fiber-powered networks, Starlink’s technology consists of a vast network of small satellites in low Earth orbit, operating at altitudes between 340 and 1,200 kilometers.

Furthermore, users on the ground access the Internet via phased-array user terminals, commonly known as dishes, which automatically align themselves with passing satellites, ensuring a continuous and stable Internet connection.

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The satellites along with user hardware enables users worldwide to access high speed internet connections suitable for streaming, online gaming, video calls, and more.

This technology also supports services that traditional terrestrial solutions cannot, allowing unmodified smartphones to connect to satellites in areas with coverage gaps.

Notably, Starlink’s major strength lies in its ability to deliver high-speed internet with low latency, making it ideal for rural and remote areas where traditional internet services are limited or unreliable.

WIFI Router

The Starlink Wi-Fi router utilizes IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standards and operates on Wi-Fi 5 technology.

It features a dual-band radio with 3 x 3 MIMO, ensuring robust connectivity. Security is maintained through WPA2 encryption, while the router is rated IP54, making it suitable for indoor use.

With a coverage area of up to 185 m² (2000 sq ft) and an operating temperature range of -30°C to 50°C (-22°F to 122°F), it is designed to perform effectively in various environments.

Additionally, the router is compatible with up to three Starlink Mesh nodes, which are available for purchase in the shop, along with an Ethernet adapter.