Starlink is a satellite internet service provided by SpaceX, the space exploration company owned by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk.
The service uses a network of low Earth orbit satellites to provide high-speed internet access to remote and underserved areas.
Starlink , an internet broadband system is capable of delivering 150Mbps internet speed to any place on the planet as long as its satellite dish has a clear view of the sky.
Starlink has already announced plans to set up shop in Kenya. The internet service is awaiting regulatory approval and is on course to be accessible in a number of cities, including Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, and Nakuru, by June 2023. The service is also set to launch in Nigeria and South Africa.
There are several misconceptions about Starlink’s entry into Africa. One of the main misconceptions is that Starlink will immediately solve Africa’s internet connectivity problems. While Starlink has the potential to provide high-speed internet access to underserved areas, there are still several factors that could limit its impact, such as the availability of affordable devices capable of connecting to the service, as well as local regulations and infrastructure.
Another misconception is that Starlink will be affordable for everyone. While SpaceX has promised to provide affordable internet access through Starlink, the initial cost of equipment such as satellite dishes and modems may be prohibitive for many African households. Additionally, the cost of monthly subscriptions has not been announced yet, and it is unclear how competitive they will be compared to other internet service providers. Take for instance, in Kenya – a kit entails a Starlink dish, a mounting tripod, a Wi-Fi router, a power supply, and cables. That costs about 75 000 KSH.- that’s minus monthly payment or subscription, could be more.
There is also a misconception that Starlink will immediately launch across the entire African continent. While SpaceX has been conducting trials in several African countries, the company has not yet announced which countries will be included in the initial rollout, nor has it provided a timeline for when the service will be widely available in the region.
Lastly, there is a misconception that Starlink will be a panacea for Africa’s economic development. While internet access can provide significant benefits in terms of education, healthcare, and commerce, it is not a silver bullet for solving all of Africa’s development challenges. A range of factors, including political stability, investment in infrastructure, and improvements in education and healthcare systems, will be necessary to realize Africa’s full potential.