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Starlink, the satellite internet company, has introduced a new rental option in Kenya to make its service more accessible to those who can’t afford to buy the hardware upfront. Announced on Wednesday, the rental kit is available for just $15.15 per month, compared to the retail price of $350.

To activate the rental, there’s a one-time fee of $21. Users can choose between a 50GB data plan for $10 or an unlimited plan for $50.50, both offering speeds of up to 200 Mbps. For those who prefer to purchase the hardware, the Starlink kit is still available at the reduced price of $350.

Since its launch in Kenya in July, Starlink has made significant efforts to lower costs and expand access to its service. Initially priced at $687.26, the Starlink kit was beyond the reach of many potential users. However, with this new, affordable rental option, the company aims to bring high-speed internet to a wider range of people, businesses, and communities, including those in remote areas of Kenya. The satellite-based service is expected to be a transformative tool, enhancing access to information, education, and economic opportunities across the country.

Before Starlink launched, Kenya had only 405 satellite internet subscribers. Within two months, this number shot up to 1,354, and by March 2024, it had surged to over 4,808, according to data from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA). This rapid growth has also pushed other internet service providers to step up their game.

Starlink’s entry into the Kenyan market has also spurred competition among existing ISPs. Local providers like Safaricom and Jamii Telecoms have responded by enhancing their offerings. Safaricom, for example, has started rolling out 4G and 5G routers to customers in areas outside its fibre network coverage, aiming to retain and attract more customers. 

Meanwhile, Jamii Telecoms, which holds the second-largest market share in fixed data subscriptions, is expanding its services to the outskirts of Nairobi to compete more aggressively in the home internet market.

Starlink’s service is particularly appealing to users in rural areas, where traditional ISPs often struggle to provide reliable connections. By offering high-speed internet that reaches even the most remote locations, Starlink is helping bridge the digital divide in Kenya.

This new rental option could further accelerate the adoption of satellite internet across the country, enabling more people to access the information, education, and economic opportunities that come with being connected to the digital world.

With the introduction of a $15 monthly rental option for its hardware, Starlink is making high-speed internet more accessible to a broader range of Kenyans. This move is likely to have a significant impact on the country’s internet market, driving competition and improving services for all users. As Starlink continues to expand its presence in Kenya, it could play a crucial role in transforming the country’s digital landscape, particularly in underserved rural areas