Demand is growing: Starlink kits have been sold out in two African capitals

Starlink devices for home use are currently sold partly in three African countries – one of which is Zimbabwe, where satellite radio Internet access technology was launched just two months ago. Starter kits, which contain everything necessary to set up Starlink in a fixed location, are currently on sale in Zimbabwe's capital Harare and the surrounding area. Starter kits are also currently unavailable in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, four other cities, as well as in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. The information refers to Starlink direct sales.

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This technology is also being introduced in African street markets. The devices sold well here at first, but street vendors' exorbitant prices caused demand to collapse Reports news portal Bloomberg. Local ISPs in Zimbabwe are already trying to lower their prices to retain customers. Internet is relatively expensive in the country due to poor electricity supply, expensive infrastructure and the weakness of Zigcoin, a private cryptocurrency used to pay for telecommunications services in Zimbabwe.

Expansion was initially planned

In the case of Harare and the surrounding area, Starlink initially planned to expand its capabilities, e.g According to a local media report It can be read on the Starlink card. However, the status has been changed to “Sold Out”, which means that the product is not available here for an indefinite period of time. Interested parties can be notified via email once Starlink is again available in the area.

On the Starlink map, a “sold out” status can also currently be found in Kenya’s Nairobi Capital Region, as well as in Nigeria’s Abuja Capital Region and the cities of Kano, Lagos, Port Harcourt and Warri. Starlink has been available in Kenya since July 2023 and in Nigeria since January 2023. Large parts of southern Africa are scheduled to be connected to Starlink next year. Starlink will then be available in almost all countries south of the Central African Republic. There is still no set start date for South Africa.

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