Safaricom is seeking approval from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to build its own undersea cable as part of its strategy to expand and improve internet connectivity in the region. This move places Safaricom in direct competition with global players like Elon Musk’s Starlink, which entered the Kenyan market in late 2023.
This was reportedly revealed by an undisclosed Safaricom executive speaking to Business Daily stating, “We are investing more to bring in additional capacity to support increased customer demand for high-speed internet.”
Safaricom has formed a consortium to build the multi-billion shilling submarine cable, though details like the cable’s length, investment value, and consortium members remain undisclosed.
Subsea cables are fiber-optic cables laid along the ocean floor to carry internet data between continents and countries. These cables are the backbone of global internet connectivity, transmitting vast amounts of data at high speeds with low latency.
Unlike satellite internet, which relies on signals transmitted through space, subsea cables provide stable, high-capacity connectivity that can support a wide range of services, including cloud computing, video streaming, and online communication. The use of these cables is critical for telecommunications companies like Safaricom to ensure reliable and cost-effective internet access.
Safaricom’s targeted investment aligns with its goal to improve internet access across Kenya by providing faster and more affordable connectivity. By leveraging the project, the company aims to strengthen its position as a key internet provider, especially in urban and rural markets where affordability remains a significant concern.
At the same time, Safaricom faces growing competition from Starlink, a satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk. Starlink uses low-earth orbit satellites to deliver high-speed internet, making it an appealing solution for areas with limited access to traditional broadband infrastructure.
Its ability to reach remote and underserved regions has created a niche market, but its premium pricing has limited its accessibility to a small segment of users, primarily businesses and affluent households.
The competition between Safaricom and Starlink highlights the differing strategies for addressing Kenya’s connectivity needs. Safaricom’s focus on subsea cables is geared toward delivering high-capacity, scalable, and cost-effective internet for a broad demographic. In contrast, Starlink offers flexibility and reach, particularly in challenging terrains where traditional infrastructure is hard to deploy.
This rivalry underscores the broader transformation in Africa’s telecommunications landscape, where both traditional and satellite-based solutions are vying for market dominance. For Kenyan consumers, the competition is expected to drive improvements in internet quality, affordability, and accessibility, bridging the digital divide and fostering technological and economic development.
