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Safaricom, Kenya’s leading telecommunications company, is making a strategic play to win back customers who have switched to Starlink by offering significantly reduced Internet prices.

In a recent marketing campaign, Safaricom reached out to former customers who had migrated to Starlink, encouraging them to reactivate their fiber accounts. The company is now offering a 40Mbps monthly package at a reduced price of $38.61, down from the regular $50.19.

This move comes in response to Starlink’s aggressive pricing strategy, which has put pressure on leading Internet service providers in Kenya. Last week, Starlink introduced a new rental option, allowing customers to rent its kit for just $15 per month.

Starlink’s rental plan targets customers who may find the upfront cost of purchasing hardware prohibitive. Typically retailing for $350, the Starlink kit is now available for rent with a $21 activation fee. Customers can choose between a 50GB data plan for $10 or an unlimited package for $50.50, both offering speeds of up to 200 Mbps. Alternatively, the Starlink kit can still be purchased outright for $350.

Since its Kenyan debut in July, Starlink has rapidly expanded its market presence by slashing the price of its kit from an initial $687.26 to a more affordable $350, making the service accessible to a broader audience.

Major Kenyan Internet providers, including Airtel, Zuku, Telkom, and Faiba, are also feeling the heat from Starlink’s competitive offerings.

In response to Starlink’s entry into the market, Safaricom has raised concerns with the government, urging the regulation of satellite internet providers. In a letter to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK), Safaricom suggested that satellite providers should be required to partner with local network operators before obtaining licenses, citing the potential disruption to the local telecom industry.