When it launches its direct-to-phone service in 2024, Starlink will face competition from MTN, Airtel, and Glo

According to SpaceX, mobile phones will soon be able to connect directly to Starlink’s satellites. SpaceX promises that the “Starlink Direct to Cell” service will be implemented between 2024 and 2025 in a new advertisement page. When it becomes available, Starlink will compete against established carriers like MTN and Globacom.

In addition to voice (calls) and data capabilities, text (SMS) service will be made available in 2024. A service for the Internet of Things (IoT) will also be accessible in 2025, according to the page. Up until recently, a hardware kit that costs N299,0000 was necessary to access Starlink’s satellite internet service. The subscription fee is N38,000 each month.

The fact that this direct-to-cell service will function with 4G and 5G-enabled phones is another intriguing feature of this development. This eliminates 2G and 3G phones from the mix automatically. One wonders if Starlink can exert significant pressure on MTN and Glo without 2G and 3G phone subscribers given that Nigeria and the rest of Africa still have a big population of 3G and 2G devices.

SpaceX offers unrestricted global access for LTE phones. It will be interesting to observe how Starlink approaches this goal even if carriers have had trouble delivering on this promise. According to SpaceX’s promotional page, the direct-to-cell offering will be made feasible because Starlink’s satellite will “have an advanced eNodeB modem onboard that acts like a mobile tower in space, allowing network integration similar to a standard roaming partner.”

The promotional page also stated that the problem of deceased ones will be aggressively addressed by this new version of Starlink satellite internet service. This roughly equates to a lack of connectivity in outlying regions. Rural regions are frequently devoid of reliable internet connections in Nigeria and many other African nations.

An essay by satellite communications specialist Marcin Frackiewicz, which states that “The digital divide in Africa is largely a result of inadequate infrastructure, limited access to technology, and high access costs,” supports the aforementioned claim. There is now a sizable divide between people who have access to the internet and those who do not as a result of this. This divide is especially noticeable in rural places where internet connectivity is scarce or nonexistent. Starlink wants to permanently alter that, but the cost problem is a significant barrier.

Can Nigerians get past the pricing barrier and en masse adopt Starlinks?

A Starlink hardware kit and an expensive monthly subscription are luxury items for many Nigerians. The common citizen’s purchasing power has been significantly decreased by the current economic climate. Petrol, transport, food, and other necessities are now much more expensive than they used to be.

As a result, it is simple to claim that Starlink will struggle to persuade Nigerians to sever ties with legacy carriers. Additionally, the internet connectivity provided by the Space X organization is far from ideal. When it rains, those who have the hardware kit frequently report that their internet connection is unreliable. A current tweet supports this assertion.

Businesses in Nigeria must set pricing that reflects the state of the economy if they are to succeed. Although Starlink appears to be going mainstream, the average Nigerian cannot afford it. As previously stated, Nigerians’ purchasing power is eroding daily. Why spend about N300,000 and an N38,000 monthly fee when SIM cards from telcos like MTN and Airtel sell for a far lower price,

Even while SpaceX just reduced the selling price of the hardware package for Starlink to entice more customers, it could still need to do so if it wants to be taken seriously by the main four carriers MTN, GLO, 9mobile, and Airtel. Potential clients would be happy and might consider buying Starlink if the prices are brought down to the bare minimum.

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Samson Ayodeji

I am literally obsessed with technology. I love writing about the latest news in technology in different markets, segments and sectors across the world.

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