Kenyans can expect faster internet speeds as Safaricom, the country’s leading ISP, has doubled the speeds of its fibre packages. The telecommunications firm has introduced a new Sh. 20,000 Wi-Fi package with 1000Mbps internet speeds.
This move comes as a response to the increasing presence of Elon Musk’s Starlink in the market.
Safaricom has upgraded its internet packages increasing speeds across various plans. The 10Mbps plan now offers 15Mbps for Sh. 3,000 ($23), while the 23Mbps package has been bumped up to 30Mbps.
Those on the 40Mbps plan will enjoy 80Mbps, and the 100Mbps plan has multiplied 5 times to 500Mbps for Sh. 12,500 ($97).
The telecommunications giant has set a milestone by becoming the first internet provider to offer Gigabit speeds 1000Mbps/1Gbps for Sh. 20,000 ($155).
Safaricom has also rolled out a new family share plan, bundling mobile voice, data, SMS, and home internet into one package. This plan, which can be shared with up to 5 family members, offers a discount of up to 20% compared to the cost of individual plans.
“The needs of our enterprise customers are changing each day with the growing need to use technology. The enhanced fibre for business plans will allow our enterprise customers to have a worry-free experience with the provision of backup data,” Peter Ndegwa stated in a statement by Safaricom.
Starlink in Kenya easy installation process, packages, monthly fees
“We have enhanced our Home Internet speeds to meet the increasing demand and usage, providing reliable connectivity and enhanced value for our customers.”
The company plans to hold estate clinics, enhance capacity in congested regions, and provide 4G and 5G home options for areas without fibre coverage.
Businesses will also gain from tailored internet solutions, with packages ranging from a 15 Mbps shared plan for small businesses to a 100 Mbps shared option for expanding enterprises.
Safaricom’s actions are a direct reaction to Starlink’s entry into the Kenyan market. The telco even opposed the satellite internet provider’s services, urging the Communications Authority to prevent independent operators like Starlink from setting up operations within the country.
