Starlink Suspends New Subscriptions In Nairobi Due To High Demand
— written by Sanju on Nov. 11, 2024, 8:08 a.m.
Starlink Suspends New Subscriptions in Nairobi Due to High Demand
Starlink, the satellite internet service founded by Elon Musk's SpaceX, has announced a temporary halt to new subscriptions in Nairobi and its surrounding areas due to overwhelming demand. This suspension, which affects both residential and business subscriptions, comes as the service experiences a surge in sign-ups following the introduction of discounted installation fees.
Since launching in Kenya in July 2023, Starlink has made significant strides in providing fast, reliable internet to areas that are often underserved by traditional broadband providers. The company has rapidly expanded its presence across the country, helping to connect millions of Kenyans, particularly in rural regions where internet infrastructure has been scarce.
However, as Starlink's popularity grows, the company is facing a challenge in managing the increased demand in urban areas like Nairobi. With the capacity of the service being reached, Starlink has been forced to pause new enrollments in Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, Naivasha, Kajiado, Thika, and Narok. These areas, referred to as "whitelisted," are at capacity, meaning the demand has exceeded the service's ability to add more customers at the moment.
In response to the suspension, Starlink is encouraging interested customers to submit their email addresses for future notifications when availability resumes. This approach is meant to keep prospective subscribers informed and provide them with updates on when they can expect to be able to access the service.
As of June 2024, data from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) revealed that Starlink had amassed 8,063 subscribers, placing it among the top ten internet service providers in the country. Its rapid growth is a testament to the demand for reliable internet solutions in Kenya, where many areas still lack sufficient broadband coverage.
In addition to the suspension, Starlink has also introduced a new fee structure for areas facing congestion. New customers in these regions will now have to pay a one-time congestion fee of KSh 12,899 when subscribing to the service. This extra charge is aimed at managing the high demand and ensuring the network remains stable as more users join.
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