16 January 2026
American satellite internet startup Spacecoin has received regulatory approval from Kenya’s Communications Authority (CA) to deploy satellite broadband and IoT connectivity across the country. 
This marks a significant step as it prepares to introduce a serious alternative to Starlink, which currently controls over 98% of Kenya’s satellite internet market with nearly all of the country’s approximately 19,762 satellite subscribers.
Though initially launching on a modest scale, Spacecoin’s entry signals a growing appetite among regulators and markets for decentralized, more inclusive satellite connectivity solutions—particularly for underserved and remote regions. Tae Oh, founder of Spacecoin, emphasized that this shift reflects recognition of the potential for scalable, affordable satellite technology to expand access beyond traditional infrastructure limits.
Kenya’s pilot market will serve as a launchpad for broader expansion across Africa, with Spacecoin also securing regulatory clearance in Nigeria through its parent company, Space Telecommunications. The company is exploring further pilots in Indonesia and Cambodia, targeting large unconnected populations and rising demand for non-terrestrial broadband.
While Spacecoin has launched four low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites forming its initial constellation—much smaller than Starlink’s extensive network—it adopts a different approach. Instead of direct-to-consumer sales, Spacecoin partners with local entities, governments, and organizations, enabling a decentralized, open-source model. This strategy appeals to governments seeking to localize operations and reduce dependence on a single global provider.
Starlink’s presence in Africa is substantial, with operations in over 25 countries, but the market is now becoming more competitive. Amazon’s Project Kuiper has also secured licenses in Nigeria, and traditional satellite operators like Eutelsat, SES, Intelsat, Viasat, and others continue serving enterprise and government markets.
The Kenyan satellite internet market, initially dominated by NGOs and corporate users in remote areas, has rapidly evolved since Starlink’s entry, setting new standards for speed, latency, and affordability. Spacecoin’s decentralized, community-driven model aims to extend this connectivity to rural communities, smart agriculture, and IoT applications, offering a new dimension of scalable, localized satellite services.
Tae Oh concluded, “These partnerships show that Spacecoin is no longer just an idea, but a growing movement. It’s about building connectivity powered by people and built for people.”
