Starlink, the satellite internet provider from Elon Musk’s Space X has chosen Kenya as the site for its first physical presence in Africa.
Many had expected Nigeria to be the selected after Starlink choose the country as the launch market of its African internet service
The location was revealed when SpaceX recently advertised for a Global Licensing Activation Manager position in Sub-Saharan Africa. The statement said. “The role will be based in Nairobi, Kenya, reporting to the team at our MacGregor, TX location.”
The chosen candidate is expected to manage a portfolio of countries in order for the internet firm to obtain a license as an internet service provider, bringing several countries online to serve people and businesses worldwide.
The development comes as Starlink launches six satellites with direct-to-cell capabilities to shift its focus to mobile communications. The company announced the satellites’ launch in a tweet on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, stating that they will improve worldwide connectivity and assist to remove dead zones.
Starlink indicated that users will not need to upgrade their phones when the service goes live because it will function with 4G-enabled devices. Surprisingly, Elon Musk stressed that Starlink will not compete with terrestrial cell networks. It’ll be interesting to see how the company coexists with non-satellite internet providers.