Telecom giant Safaricom PLC has dismissed rumors circulating on social media that it has stopped allowing Starlink Internet payments through Mpesa.

This clarification comes after some users on X alleged that Safaricom had discontinued Starlink internet payments via the Mpesa service.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Safaricom affirmed that the option remains available and encouraged customers experiencing difficulties to contact the company.

“This information is incorrect; the option is still available. Please get in touch with us if you encounter any issues,” Safaricom emphasized.

Starlink, a satellite-based internet service, was developed by SpaceX, a private aerospace and space transportation company founded by Elon Musk, the owner of X.

Unlike Safaricom’s internet, which depends on undersea cables prone to damage and outages, Starlink utilizes satellites for its connectivity.

Safaricom has recently faced scrutiny after requesting the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to review its decision to grant a license to Starlink internet providers.

The telecom firm urged the regulator to evaluate the risks associated with allowing satellite internet providers to operate independently without partnerships with local companies.

“Satellite service providers should only be permitted to operate under the license rights of a local licensee rather than being granted a license independently,” a section of Safaricom’s memo stated.

In response, the CA noted that Safaricom is entitled to voice its regulatory concerns about independent satellite providers like Starlink.

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“Service providers or licensees have the right to bring any market issues to the attention of the ICT regulator,” CA responded.

The regulator also emphasized that it conducts independent reviews of such issues within its regulatory framework and responds accordingly.

“The Authority conducts independent examinations of these matters within its regulatory framework and addresses them appropriately. This is a standard procedure as the Authority aims to foster the growth of the dynamic and rapidly evolving ICT sector,” the statement added.

Some leaders, including Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, have defended Starlink, praising its impressive internet speeds compared to Safaricom’s slower and less reliable service.

“The government should disregard Safaricom’s concerns. Murang’a has automated its healthcare services, and Safaricom’s internet speed frequently drops. Sometimes it’s as low as 4.7Mbps, while Starlink’s new speeds reach 100 Mbps. This difference is critical in saving lives, and Starlink’s service isn’t affected by the weather,” Kang’ata commented.

Safaricom Refutes Claims of Starlink Mpesa Payment Ban Amid Regulatory Scrutiny

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Kenya’s leading telecommunications provider, Safaricom, raised concerns regarding the entrance of satellite internet provider Starlink, owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, into the Kenyan market.

In a formal letter addressed to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK), Safaricom urged the regulator to consider requiring satellite providers to partner with local mobile network operators as they begin granting independent licenses to satellite internet providers.

Starlink, which launched in Kenya in July 2023, has expanded across Africa, offering satellite-based internet services that bypass traditional ground infrastructure.

While the company has faced regulatory hurdles in some countries, it has introduced competitive pricing and hardware rental plans in Kenya, making its services more accessible.

Why Safaricom wants Starlink regulated

Safaricom’s concerns revolve around the potential for satellite coverage to span multiple territorial borders and provide services illegally within Kenya’s borders, leading to what the company called “harmful interference.”

The telecom giant, partly owned by the Kenyan government, Vodafone, and Vodacom, expressed that satellite providers should operate as infrastructure providers to ensure local investment, employment, and compliance with Kenyan laws.

How Kenyans reacted to Safaricom

However, Safaricom’s position has ignited an online debate, especially on X (formerly Twitter), with many Kenyans voicing their opinions on the matter.

@CPA_ClementE said:

“Safaricom’s unease is understandable—Starlink is poised to disrupt the market in a big way, and there will likely be casualties.”

@HonKangata said:

“Govt. Should ignore Safaricom. Muranga automated its healthcare. Safaricom’s internet speed drops frequently. The speed is so low. At times 4.7Mbps. New Starlink internet speeds hit 100 Mbps. This saves lives. And it’s not affected by weather.”

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@zero_mind8 said:

“I never even in my weirdest dreams thought that I would ever see something shake Safaricom.”

@DonaldBKipkorir said:

“Ideas whose time has come & disruptive technology can’t be stopped. Safaricom came up with mPesa & disrupted the banking sector in Kenya. Starlink has come to disrupt how the entire world communicates without human disruption.”

@reubenmuhindi said:

“A friend in Cameroon told me he recently started using Starlink. I asked how comes yet I know Cameroon banned it early this year due to no license & citing a national security threat. Turns out he bought it in Nigeria & uses it perfectly in Cameroon. Safaricom, you’re on your own.”

@MalloFredrick said:

“Yoh, the amount of free promotion Kenyans are giving Starlink is crazy. I can’t believe you guys hated Safaricom that deep. What happened to the ‘Buy Kenya, Build Kenya’ initiative? Elon Musk is a billionaire y’all!.”

As Starlink continues to gain traction in Kenya, the debate between embracing new technological advancements and supporting local industry is heating up.

Safaricom’s call for regulatory intervention by CAK may be only the beginning of an ongoing battle over the future of internet services in the country.

Kenyans React After Safaricom Writes to Govt to Regulate Elon Musk’s Starlink Internet: “Safaricom, you’re on your own”

The post Kenyans React After Safaricom Writes to Govt to Regulate Elon Musk’s Starlink Internet: “Safaricom, you’re on your own” appeared first on GOSSIP A - Z.