Airtel has just made a major move in India, partnering with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed internet to its customers. This is a significant development for the satellite internet landscape, marking the first such agreement in India, though it remains subject to regulatory approvals for Starlink’s operations. The deal positions Airtel as a key partner for Starlink, aiming to integrate satellite internet into Airtel’s offerings, especially in rural and underserved areas.
But what does this have to do with Kenya? Potentially, quite a lot.
Airtel Kenya’s parent company paves the way
Bharti Airtel, Airtel Kenya’s parent company, is at the heart of this collaboration, which could set the stage for similar moves in other markets, including Kenya. The agreement allows Airtel and SpaceX to explore various synergies, including offering Starlink equipment in retail stores, enterprise solutions, and broader coverage expansion. This aligns with what Safaricom has been lobbying for in Kenya — requiring Starlink to work through a local partner rather than operate independently.
In contrast to Airtel’s approach in India, Safaricom has been resisting Starlink’s direct entry into Kenya, instead pushing for tighter regulations and mandatory local partnerships. In fact, Safaricom urged the Kenyan government to impose additional requirements on satellite internet providers like Starlink, citing concerns over fair competition. This move was met with legal pushback from Kituo Cha Sheria, a local lobby group, which accused Safaricom of trying to stifle competition and deny Kenyans an affordable alternative to traditional broadband.
Airtel Kenya’s opportunity to strike first
Given that Bharti Airtel has already demonstrated a willingness to work with Starlink in India, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to see Airtel Kenya pursuing a similar partnership. This could give Airtel Kenya a strategic advantage over Safaricom by being the first to integrate Starlink’s satellite services into its network offerings. If Airtel Kenya successfully negotiates a deal with Starlink, it could position itself as the go-to provider for nationwide satellite internet, something Safaricom has been hesitant to embrace outright.
Of course, regulatory hurdles remain a key factor. Just as Starlink needs approval in India, any such partnership in Kenya would require the Communications Authority of Kenya’s (CA) blessing. Given Safaricom’s dominance and influence in Kenya’s telecom sector, it is possible that further regulatory debates will unfold. However, if Airtel Kenya were to move quickly, it could preemptively secure a position as the first carrier-backed Starlink provider, giving it an edge in the growing demand for satellite internet.
Safaricom is unlikely to sit idly by. The company’s 5G network, launched for trials in 2021, and its plans to introduce satellite internet through AST SpaceMobile, a Starlink rival, indicate that it is preparing to counter any competitive threats. If Airtel Kenya secures a Starlink partnership, Safaricom might accelerate its own satellite initiatives or double down on its terrestrial network to retain its customer base.
For Kenyan consumers, an Airtel-Starlink partnership would mean more options for high-speed internet, particularly in remote areas where traditional broadband services remain unreliable or nonexistent. Currently, Starlink is already operational in Kenya as a direct-to-consumer service, but integrating it with a local telecom provider could lead to more flexible pricing, better customer support, and possibly bundled service options.
I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement about the possibilities. The Bharti Airtel-Starlink partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration between global and local players, and Airtel Kenya has a chance to lead the way in Kenya. As someone who values innovation and connectivity, I believe this could be a turning point for the country’s telecom sector, bringing much-needed internet access to millions of Kenyans in remote areas.
The big question now is whether Airtel Kenya will seize this opportunity before Safaricom changes its stance. Given that the Indian deal mirrors what Safaricom has been advocating for locally, it might just be a matter of time before Starlink is forced to engage with a local partner. If that happens, Airtel Kenya’s existing relationship with Bharti Airtel could give it the first-mover advantage.
With Starlink’s rapid expansion and Airtel’s demonstrated willingness to collaborate, the Kenyan satellite internet landscape could eventually see a major shake-up. The ball is now in Airtel Kenya’s court — will they make the first move?
Below is the official statement announcing this partnership:
