Safaricom, Kenya’s leading mobile operator, has increased the speed of its fibre internet plans in response to the growing presence of Starlink in the Kenyan broadband market.
The upgrades see the 10 Mbps plan increased to 15 Mbps for KES 3,000 ($23), while the 20 Mbps plan now offers 30 Mbps. The 40 Mbps plan has doubled to 80 Mbps, and the 100 Mbps plan now provides 500 Mbps for KES 12,500 ($97).
Notably, Safaricom has become the first internet service provider in Kenya to offer gigabit speeds (1 Gbps) for KES 20,000 ($155). The company has also launched a family share plan, which bundles mobile voice, data, SMS, and home internet for up to five family members, offering a discount of up to 20%.
Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa, in a statement, emphasized that the speed upgrades aim to meet the increasing demand for reliable and fast internet. Additionally, Safaricom plans to enhance services by conducting estate clinics, addressing network congestion, and expanding 4G and 5G coverage to homes outside fibre reach.
Businesses stand to benefit from dedicated internet plans, with options ranging from 15 Mbps to 100 Mbps for growing enterprises. These improvements are seen as a direct response to Starlink, which entered Kenya in June 2023, offering speeds up to 200 Mbps and affordable options like a 50 GB package for KES 1,300 and a rental kit priced at KES 45,000.
In July, Safaricom urged the Communications Authority of Kenya to block independent satellite internet providers like Starlink, a move that the regulator supported, citing competition concerns raised by Safaricom.