Starlink has paused new subscriptions for its residential internet plan in Nairobi and several surrounding areas due to network overload. SpaceX's CEO, Elon Musk, announced this change on November 4, explaining that the satellite internet service is working to improve its capacity in densely populated urban centers across Africa.
Musk indicated that the pause was necessary because too many users were trying to access Starlink's service in Nairobi, leading to insufficient bandwidth for additional customers. He assured potential users that Starlink still has significant capacity available outside the main city areas. “Starlink is working to increase internet capacity in dense urban areas in Africa as fast as possible,” Musk stated.
The regions affected by the service suspension include Thika, Kajiado, Kiambu, Naivasha, Ngong, Machakos, and parts of Narok. In its announcement, Starlink explained, “Nairobi and neighbouring areas are currently at network capacity. This means that too many users are trying to access the Starlink service within Nairobi, and there isn’t enough bandwidth to support additional residential or roaming customers now.”
For those interested in subscribing to Starlink, the company has encouraged individuals to leave their email addresses to receive updates on future service availability. Their message reads, "Starlink Residential is not available in your area. Enter your email below to be notified about future availability and product updates."
In recent months, Starlink internet has become increasingly popular in Kenya, with many users praising its high speeds. The demand for this service reflects a growing need for reliable internet access in the region, particularly in urban areas where traditional internet services may struggle to keep pace with user demand. As Starlink works to enhance its infrastructure and capacity, users are hopeful that service will resume soon, allowing them to benefit from the fast internet speeds that have drawn many to the platform.
Starlink's ongoing efforts to expand its capacity will be crucial for meeting the needs of existing customers and for attracting new users in urban areas across Africa. As the company continues to grow, its ability to manage network demands will play a significant role in its success in the region.
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