Safaricom to launch satellite Internet services

The company has partnered with AST SpaceMobile, a prominent rival to Elon Musk's Starlink, to bring this cutting-edge technology to Kenyan consumers.

In a strategic move that aims to bridge the digital divide and provide reliable Internet access to underserved areas, Vodacom and AST SpaceMobile announced their plans back in 2020 to launch the first phase of their space-based commercial mobile communications service in 2023. This ambitious initiative will initially cover the 49 largest countries in the equatorial regions, including Kenya.

According to Vodacom Group, following a successful trial period in 2022, AST SpaceMobile will expand its satellite deployments in collaboration with Vodacom, Safaricom's parent company, to offer ubiquitous communications to 4G devices not only in Africa but also beyond the continent's borders. 

One of the key advantages of the Vodacom-AST SpaceMobile partnership is that their satellite Internet services will connect directly to 4G and 5G smartphones without the need for specialised hardware. This eliminates the barrier of requiring additional equipment and makes it easier for users to benefit from high-speed Internet access.

"AST SpaceMobile plans to be the first space-based network to connect standard mobile phones at broadband speeds. Devices would switch between space and ground-based networks automatically, effectively eliminating coverage gaps and ensuring customers can stay connected on the move," says Vodafone.