Internet service disruptor Starlink came to Africa with a plan deliver fast, reliable satellite internet to poorly served areas. But as the company now faces capacity issues in the continent's urban centres, its becoming clear that Africa has other ideas.
From bustling metropolises like Nairobi and Lagos to Harare and Lusaka, city dwellers have driven Starlink's surge in demand. This rush has even forced the company to halt new sign-ups in major urban areas, despite having reserved 'significant capacity outside of city centres," according to owner Elon Musks own statement on X , in which he added that Starlink is working to increase internet capacity in dense urban areas in Africa as fast as possible.
The company says too many users are trying to access the Starlink service in Africas urban regions which are currently at network capacity. Observers reckon the company may have underestimated demand in Africas urban areas and overestimated need in remote locations.
The result? Starlink's kits are now unavailable for purchase in some of the continent's biggest cities, leaving hopeful customers in limbo.
The Capacity MismatchWhen Starlink launched in Africa, its initial rollout aimed at providing a solution to the internet black holes in regions with unreliable service. Yet, urban residents-hungry for faster, more reliable connectivity than their traditional ISPs offer-are snapping up kits faster than SpaceX, Starlinks parent, can deliver capacity.
