Safaricom, a leading Kenyan Telecommunication company in partnership with AST SpaceMobile, has announced its intentions to compete with Elon Musk’s Starlink by launching its satellite internet service. By harnessing AST SpaceMobile’s satellite technology, the satellite internet service will aid broadband services (Wi-Fi, cellular networks, and fibre optic cables) and provide affordable connectivity services within remote and hard-to-reach locations.

Furthermore, AST SpaceMobile is constructing a network that harnesses satellite constellations capable of providing satellite-based internet access. In addition, the network is designed to establish communication links with 4G smartphones, making AST SpaceMobile the first company to enable smartphones to connect to a space-based broadband network.

AST SpaceMobile’s prototype satellite, BlueWalker 3, which underwent initial testing in 2022, is scheduled for an official launch test in Kenya later this year. The trial entails utilising 200 satellites across 49 African, European, and Caribbean countries. Safaricom and other African operators from the Vodacom group will participate in this trial. 

Following the successful trial, AST SpaceMobile, in collaboration with Vodacom, plans to expand its satellite deployments. The goal is to provide continuous communications to 4G devices in Africa and beyond.