Kenya’s telecommunications Giant Safaricom now says it’s working to venture into internet provision straight from the satellite. This will in turn see the speed of it’s internet shoot even higher. These plans comes few weeks after allegation of a subtle rivalry and business competition thrown it’s way by Elon musk’s Starlink, which has recently flooded the Kenya internet market with high speed and affordable internet which has attracted a whole bowl of Kenya.
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“From a satellite perspective, we have to partner with Starlink or other satellite providers in future to make sure that that technology plays right through,”
Speaking during an interview with us Business New outlet Bloomberg, Safaricom’s CEO Peter Ndegwa has noted that the company looks forward to partner with those providing internet from the satellites eg Starlink. Peter Ndegwa said. He adds that Safaricom has already started conversation with the necessary partners in the space for the good of their clients. He has noted that the conversation will mature once they amount to level that complement what Safaricom is offering on a higher level. additionally, Ndegwa has noted that there is absolutely no problem when satellite compliments the already existing internet systems in Kenya. Conversely, he adds that Safaricom is always ready for competition because it’s the game of business
“We have had some discussions, and we will continue to have those discussions to the extent that they complement what we are offering.”
Peter Ndegwa has also refuted claims that The company has been against Starlink so as to maintain the monopoly in the sector. He has noted that Safaricom’s success is utterly out of it’s heavy investments of upto 350 million into the business annually. This has seen the company offering that which people love and resonate with since it’s inception. Despite this, The Safaricom CEO has noted that the company does not look to limit the consumers choice but to instead offer the best and allow for autonomy in decision making
“There is a misconception about Safaricom getting in the way, we are not the regulators, we had expressed our views on how the regulator should ensure industry players their opinion about how this is in terms of industry participation”
As of now, Safaricom is still at the forefront in providing fast 5G internet in Kenya, evens as it seeks to expand across the borders.