Safaricom plans a new undersea internet cable by 2025 to boost speeds and challenge Starlink in Kenya’s broadband race.
Safaricom to Challenge Starlink with New Subsea Internet Cable
By Charles Wachira
Kenya’s leading telecom operator, Safaricom Plc, is stepping up the battle for internet dominance by investing in a new subsea fibre-optic cable, directly challenging Elon Musk’s Starlink in the country’s booming broadband market.
The company, which holds over 65% of Kenya’s mobile market, says the cable will be operational by early 2025, providing faster, more reliable, and affordable internet for Kenyan users.
“We are investing in next-generation infrastructure to ensure our customers get the most reliable and affordable internet,” said Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa. “The demand for high-speed connectivity is growing, and our subsea cable will give Kenya a competitive edge in digital transformation.”
What the New Cable Means
The planned cable is expected to deliver speeds of up to 100 terabits per second, dramatically expanding Kenya’s data capacity. While Safaricom hasn’t disclosed the full cost, industry estimates place similar subsea projects in the $300–$500 million range.
Once completed, the new system will join Kenya’s growing list of undersea cables, including:
- SEACOM (2009)
- TEAMS (2010)
- EASSy (2010)
- PEACE (2022)
These systems have helped lower internet costs and improve access across East Africa.
Starlink’s Rising Influence
Safaricom’s move comes amid rising competition from Starlink, the satellite internet service launched by SpaceX, which entered the Kenyan market in July 2023. According to the Communications Authority (CA), Starlink had already signed up over 15,000 active users by late 2024.
Offering speeds of up to 250 Mbps, Starlink has disrupted Kenya’s fixed internet sector — traditionally dominated by Safaricom, Zuku, and Jamii Telecom. However, it remains expensive for many users, with a Sh89,000 ($600) hardware cost and a Sh6,500 ($44) monthly subscription.
“Safaricom is feeling the heat from Starlink, especially in underserved regions,” said Peter Wanyama, a Nairobi-based telecom analyst. “By investing in undersea cables, Safaricom is positioning itself as the go-to provider for businesses and high-bandwidth users.”
Broadband in Kenya: Who’s Winning?
Kenya’s broadband market has grown rapidly. Fixed internet subscriptions hit 1.2 million by June 2024, up from 980,000 in 2022, per CA data. Mobile internet still dominates, with over 50 million active connections, but fibre is gaining traction due to remote work, video streaming, and cloud computing.
Since launching its fiber-to-home service in 2017, Safaricom has connected over 450,000 households, while controlling 53.3% of Kenya’s mobile data market. It competes with Airtel and Telkom Kenya in mobile data.
The Real Contest: Fibre vs. Satellite
Experts say the broadband race will reshape Kenya’s digital future. While Starlink offers fast, plug-and-play connectivity for remote regions, undersea cables remain essential for international data traffic — carrying 99% of global internet.
“Satellite internet is a game-changer for remote areas, but undersea cables are essential for large-scale connectivity,” said John Omo, Secretary-General of the African Telecommunications Union. “The two technologies will complement each other rather than compete directly.”
A Broader Digital Strategy
Safaricom’s undersea investment is part of its wider regional push, which includes:
- 5G deployment
- Cloud services
- Fintech expansion, including Safaricom Ethiopia, which reached 4.6 million subscribers in June 2024
With Kenya’s data consumption expected to double by 2030, the company is betting on infrastructure to stay ahead of global challengers.
The Bottom Line
As Safaricom strengthens its digital backbone, the stage is set for a high-stakes battle with satellite internet providers like Starlink. Whether through seabed cables or orbiting satellites, one thing is clear — Kenya’s internet future will be faster, broader, and more competitive.
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