Starlink is revolutionizing Africa’s broadband landscape by surpassing the speeds of most terrestrial internet providers, according to recent data. In 22 out of 23 Sub-Saharan African markets, Starlink’s median download speeds were higher than local providers, with Madagascar being the exception due to its advanced fibre infrastructure. Traditionally seen as a solution for remote areas, Starlink’s low-earth-orbit satellite network is now competing with mainstream broadband services, offering speeds that often exceed 50 Mbps, and in some cases, over 100 Mbps.
The report highlights that Starlink’s competitive edge is not just technical but also market-driven, as it increasingly attracts users who have alternative broadband options. This shift challenges the status quo for local providers, especially in areas where fixed broadband has been limited. Despite Starlink’s speed advantages, fibre networks still hold benefits in upload performance and latency, crucial for applications like cloud computing and online gaming.
Kenya stands out with the lowest latency on the continent, thanks to local infrastructure investments, illustrating the importance of terrestrial assets for satellite performance. However, countries lacking such infrastructure face higher latency issues. The findings urge African telecom operators to enhance their network investments, as Starlink sets new performance benchmarks that could reshape the competitive landscape, especially with the anticipated launch of its next-generation satellites.
