Kenya's regulator acknowledges Safaricom's Starlink worries
Kenya
,
28 Aug 2024
Kenya's communications regulator, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), says Safaricom, the country's largest telecom service provider, is welcome to raise regulatory concerns about Elon Musk's satellite internet service Starlink.
In a statement, the CA said Safaricom is justified in its fears concerning the licensing of independent satellite providers, including Starlink.
CA is Kenya's ICT regulatory authority, responsible for telecommunications, cyber security, e-commerce, broadcasting, multimedia, and postal/courier services.
The CA stated that "licensees or service providers are free to raise any issue in the market with the ICT regulator."
It added: “The Authority independently examines such issues within its mandate and regulatory framework and responds appropriately. It is a normal practice as the Authority seeks to facilitate the development of the dynamic and rapidly evolving ICT sector.”
Last week, Safaricom expressed concerns and urged CA to exercise caution while granting independent licenses to satellite internet service providers.
In a letter to CA, Safaricom requested the regulator consider mandating satellite internet providers like Starlink to work together with local mobile network operators.
This comes after the satellite internet provider introduced competitive price options and plans that even allowed Kenyans to rent its equipment without having to purchase the full package.
"Satellite coverage inherently extends to multiple territorial borders and, in doing so, has the potential to illegally provide services and cause harmful interference within the territorial borders of the Republic of Kenya," Safaricom said in the letter.
The telco also stated that requiring satellite internet service providers to collaborate with local mobile operators rather than grant them independent operating licenses would "promote innovation while avoiding potential damage."