Elon Musk is not a very attractive person but he is probably a genius. He has revolutionised electric cars and batteries through Tesla, space travel through Space X, and now internet communication through Starlink. (Let's ignore Twitter and X).
Starlink has now arrived in Kenya. A dish connects to a satellite and provides internet data as fast and more cheaply than mobile network operators. Any place, however remote, can receive satellite internet. However many African countries have refused to license Starlink.
Now Safaricom and other operators are arguing that operators like Starlink should only be allowed to operate in partnership with existing telcos. They want to own the Kenyan market.
They argue that Starlink does not pay tax in Kenya. Of course Starlink should pay taxes such as VAT on its Kenya operations but its worldwide operations are naturally outside the purview of the KRA.
The real reason that telcos object to Starlink is that satellite internet is a disruptive technology that will force down internet prices and reduce telco profits.
At the end of the day the Communication Authority must consider what is best for the consumer, namely greater choice, better speeds and lower prices.
Quote of the day: "Dream no small dreams for they have no power to move the hearts of men."
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
The German writer was born on August 28, 1749
