The Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) has flagged illegal Internet Service Providers (ISPs). These unlicensed ISPs use licence-free frequency bands to bypass regulations.
Internet demand in Kenya has risen sharply. Remote work, online learning, and e-commerce have driven this growth. Fringe ISPs are entering the market dominated by Safaricom. Safaricom leads with 36.4% market share and 545,812 connections as of June 2024. Jamii Telecommunications follows with 24% (360,446 connections), while Zuku has 17.5% (263,008 connections).
The CAK reports that illegal ISPs operate in densely populated areas. These providers lack the coverage of licensed Network Facilities Provider tier 3 (NFP-T3) operators. Despite raising concerns, the CAK has not revealed the names of these ISPs.
The growing number of ISPs has lowered prices but reduced service quality. This issue is more evident in low-income areas and satellite towns. New entrants in the market include Vilcom, Poa Internet, and Vijiji Connect.
Starlink, owned by Elon Musk, entered Kenya in 2023. By June 2024, it had 8,063 connections, capturing 0.5% of the market. Starlink’s presence has pushed satellite internet subscriptions to 8,324 by mid-2024.
The CAK notes the steady growth in internet subscriptions. This growth results from increased digital reliance and competitive offers. However, the CAK stresses the need for proper licensing and oversight. This ensures quality service and fair competition in the market.
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