Elon Musk-owned SpaceX has introduced a new congestion fee for Starlink subscribers in regions with limited network capacity. The company announced that new Starlink internet customers will be required to pay an additional one-time fee of KSh 12,899 when purchasing or activating a service plan.

According to Starlink, the congestion fee applies only to areas where network capacity is constrained due to high demand. The company explained that once the network capacity improves, the fee will no longer apply to new customers.

“This fee will only apply if you are purchasing or activating a new service plan. If you change your service address or service plan at a later date, you may be charged the congestion fee,” Starlink said in a statement. The firm assured that this charge is not permanent and is tied to network limitations.

In the U.S., some customers have already started paying the congestion fee, which is priced at $100 (approximately KSh 12,899). The charge is location-dependent and appears as a payment option during the subscription process. As network congestion becomes a global issue, the company has opted for this fee to manage the increasing demand for satellite internet services.

Meanwhile, in Kenya, Starlink recently rolled out discounted offers for its high-speed satellite internet. Customers now pay KSh 29,999 for the installation kit, down from the previous price of KSh 45,500. An additional installation fee of KSh 6,500 applies. The minimum monthly subscription plan for new users starts at KSh 1,300.

Starlink expanded its services in Kenya in July 2023, providing rural and underserved areas with access to fast, reliable internet. The move has been praised for bridging the digital divide, allowing businesses and individuals in remote regions to connect to the internet. Starlink’s satellite technology bypasses traditional infrastructure, making it ideal for locations where fibre-optic cables are not feasible.

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With growing demand in Kenya and around the world, Starlink aims to increase its network capacity to ensure all users experience optimal service without additional fees. The introduction of the congestion fee, however, reflects the challenges the company faces as it expands globally.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT STARLINK INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER

Starlink, a satellite internet service developed by SpaceX, was launched with the aim of providing high-speed broadband internet to underserved and remote areas around the globe. Founded by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, SpaceX began deploying its Starlink satellite constellation in 2019, with thousands of small satellites orbiting Earth at low altitudes to deliver faster internet with lower latency compared to traditional satellite providers.