Amazon Applies for Licence In Kenya To Rival Starlink with Its Leo Competitor
Amazon's Project Kuiper has rebranded as Amazon LEO and is expanding into East Africa. The company has applied for a Tier 2 license in Kenya to establish a nationwide broadband network.
Satellite Internet Operators Like Starlink Will Pay A Lot More To Operate in Kenya
The cost of the International Gateway Systems and Services (IGSS) license has increased nearly tenfold, starting at KES 15 million for 15 years. A separate Landing Rights Authorization license costing $25,000 plus a $500 application fee is also being introduced.
Starlink to appeal Namibia licence rejection
Starlink intends to appeal the rejection of its operating licence in Namibia, which was denied due to local ownership laws. The Nigerian Communications Commission has ordered telecom operators to compensate users for poor network service, shifting the burden from fines to direct user compensation.
Starlink wants to wire Francophone Africa. Regulators hold the switch.
Starlink partners with Airtel Africa to integrate direct-to-cell technology, allowing smartphones to connect directly to satellites. Airtel plans to deploy Starlink's service in 14 African markets in 2026, targeting key Francophone countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo.
MTN Zambia tests Starlink satellite-to-phone connection
MTN Zambia completed Africa's first field trial of satellite-to-phone connectivity using Starlink's technology. The trial successfully transmitted a data session and a mobile money transaction without traditional ground towers.
