Kenya’s leading telecommunications provider Safaricom has announced plans to partner with Starlink after the international Internet provider company announced their entrance into the kenyan market.
According to reports by Safaricom Chief Executive Officer Peter Ndegwa, discussions with Starlink Founder Elon Musk is currently ongoing and there is a possibility of a future patnership within the country.
“From a satellite perspective, we have to partner with Starlink or other satellite providers in the future to make sure that that technology plays right through. We have had some discussions, and we will continue to have those discussions to the extent that they complement what we are offering.”
ALSO READ: Gachagua’s Impeachment Hits First Roadblock As Attempt To Prosecute Allies Quashed
This comes after kenyans threatened to migrate fully to starlink due to the services that the international company is promising to offer, the speeds and prices as compared to what Safaricom is currently offering in the kenyan market.
Starlink offers high speed and coverage to remote areas where local internet service providers may not reach and with the recent announcement of the introduction of starlink mini that will be portable, the market is shifting within the country.
However, before the meeting between the two companies, Safaricom reportedly increased internet speeds for its home and business customers to meet the growing needs of individual and enterprise customers with starlink making an entrance.
President William Ruto defended his move to allow Elon Musk’s satellite internet firm—Starlink to enter the Kenyan market, saying the entrance has created competition in the country.
ALSO READ: Gov’t Issues New Directives After Suspending Crown Bus And Over 100 Saccos From Operation
“I have my CEO for Safaricom here, sometimes he is not happy with me for bringing in some other characters like Elon Musk and others in the space. But you see, I keep encouraging Peter that competition helps you keep ahead, and he has been doing good.”