Nigeria: Starlink revolutionized satellite internet. It is the world’s leading provider of satellite launch services with also a major internet service provider. It has raised the bar with its latest Gen-3 kit, which is a cutting-edge hardware that delivers unprecedented performance and convenience, that followed a significant upgrade in design to meet the demands of Nigerian homes and businesses.
Reportedly, the new Starlink Gen-3 kit is available on e-commerce stores such as ‘Konga’. The Starlink Satellite Internet is completely equipped with a wi-fi 6 chipset. The device has also seen a significant boost in its data speed, that is enhanced to handle heavy data requirements.
This upgradation is particularly beneficial for smart homes where multiple devices are competing for bandwidth simultaneously. It is one of the most welcomed and supported improvements which is the built-in Ethernet port, that eliminated the need for a separate adapter that previous generations required.
Moreover, it is an integrated solution with streamlined setup and reduced the potential points of failure in the system. Multi-floor buildings and large homes will appreciate the improved range and reliability of the Gen-3 kit. The kit comes with more enhanced signal strength that ensures consistent connectivity throughout spacious environments, by reaching areas that were previously challenging for wireless networks.
Starlink’s durability remained a priority with Gen-3’s more efficient heat management system. It has been substantially extended with hardware’s lifespan by reducing thermal stress. In addition, tri-band radios have also been delivered that has enhanced the mesh performance. The water-resistant port covers have further extended its durability by making it an ideal one for diverse Nigerian environments.
The prospective buyers should exercise caution regarding where they can purchase their Starlink equipment. Last year, Starlink warned against purchases from grey market vendors, as kits acquired outside, approved by retailers will not be activated. They emphasized that the customers should obtain the products only from authorized sellers to ensure authenticity and compatibility.
Starlink edge lies in its network of satellites that is launched into orbit by SpaceX rockets. These satellites further communicate with user terminals (hardware) on earth. They can bean high-speed internet to nearly every corner of the planet. With almost 6,000 Starlink satellites in orbit, the SpaceX engineer reported that more than 42 petabytes of data were transmitted daily in Jan 2024.
It has grown to become the third largest Internet Service Provider (ISP) of Nigeria, in under two years with 65,564 subscribers by the end of the third quarter of 2024. The ISP is second only to Spectranet Ltd with 105,441 active subscribers.
A similar trend is practiced in Kenya, where subscriptions hot 8,000 within a year, and in Zimbabwe, where it sold out in Harare, just two months after securing a license.
Notably, this demand for satellite internet provider, has allowed direct connections from satellites that has surged to the point where orders were paused in five major cities, including Lagos, Abuja, Port-Harcourt, Benin City and Warri, due to capacity limits.