Starlink shakes up African internet provider market

Satellite internet provider Starlink has significantly disrupted the internet provider market in Africa. In five of the continent's 16 countries, its services are already cheaper than traditional offerings from local telecommunications companies.

In Kenya, Starlink offers internet for just $10 a month for 50GB, with higher speeds and the ability to connect even in the most remote areas. The service has become so popular that the company was forced to pause new user sign-ups due to network overload.

Local internet providers have found themselves in a difficult position. To compete with the new entrant, they are forced to lower prices, improve connection speeds, and even launch their own satellites. For example, Vodacom announced a strategic partnership with AST SpaceMobile to launch satellite internet.