Starlink: Bridging the Digital Divide

Since its arrival in July 2023, Starlink has become a beacon of hope for many households and businesses, promising fast, reliable satellite internet—even in areas neglected by traditional service providers. Local distributors have also played a crucial role in supplying kits and installation services, making it easier for people to adopt the technology.

A Surge in Connectivity

By mid-2024, Starlink experienced explosive growth. Between June and September, its subscriber base more than doubled—boosting its share of the fixed-data market significantly. This meteoric rise vaulted it among the top internet providers. Its satellite-based nature made it uniquely suited to serve rural regions where fiber and terrestrial infrastructure are sparse.

Capacity Constraints and Temporary Halts

However, such rapid adoption brought challenges. By late 2024, Starlink’s network in high-demand regions reached capacity, leading to a pause in new subscriptions. Customers who had already purchased equipment found themselves unable to go online, and there was no local Starlink office to provide timely support.

Notably, a ground station (Point of Presence) was launched in early 2025, designed to reduce latency—reportedly, from 120 ms down to around 26 ms. Yet, for several months, demand continued to outstrip capacity. By mid-2025, Starlink resumed sign-ups following infrastructure enhancements, restoring access in major cities and other high-demand areas.

Affordability and Pricing

Starlink offers several packages tailored to different consumer needs:

• Residential Lite: Budget-friendly monthly subscription with unlimited (deprioritized) data and upfront hardware costs.
• Residential (Standard): Unlimited data at higher monthly rates.
• Mini Kit: A lower-cost hardware option with moderate recurring fees—positioned as the most accessible entry point.
• Business Package: Higher monthly cost but offering speeds between 100–350 Mbps with priority bandwidth and dedicated support for SMEs and NGOs.

When compared to typical fiber providers in many markets, Starlink is more expensive—but it delivers far superior performance, especially in underserved and rural areas.

Regulatory Dynamics and Competition

Starlink’s entry into various markets hasn’t been without pushback. Established ISPs have urged regulators to require satellite providers to partner with local operators, expressing concerns about licensing, interference, and lack of local investments.

For example, in Kenya, Safaricom—the country’s largest ISP—raised objections when Starlink began gaining traction. Regulators were urged to impose partnership requirements on satellite providers to ensure local involvement and safeguard national infrastructure interests. Despite these hurdles, demand for Starlink remained high, especially in rural counties where traditional fiber and mobile networks struggled to deliver affordable, high-speed coverage.

Globally, Starlink’s expansion has raised regulatory debates—even prompting changes in South Africa and political discussions in Argentina and elsewhere. These issues underscore the broader complexity of introducing disruptive global technology into local markets.

Resellers and Distribution

During pauses in direct sign-ups, resellers filled the gap by offering authentic Starlink kits and installation services. Some distributors went further, providing on-the-ground technical support, which Starlink itself does not yet consistently offer locally. These resellers became crucial in ensuring continuity for new customers while official capacity was being expanded.

Featured Image by Pixabay.