Starlink Faces Competition in Kenya as Spacecoin Launches Satellite Connectivity Pilot

Kenya, January 14 2026 - Spacecoin, a satellite network operator, has entered into a landmark partnership with Kenya as part of its push to expand decentralised satellite connectivity across emerging markets.

The company says it has secured a transmission licence from the Communications Authority of Kenya to support satellite-based Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring and connectivity expansion, marking a significant milestone in its African rollout. The agreement positions Kenya as a key pilot market for Spacecoin’s blockchain-integrated satellite infrastructure, aimed at improving internet access in areas underserved by traditional terrestrial networks.

The Kenyan partnership forms part of a broader set of agreements spanning Africa and Asia, including Nigeria, Indonesia and Cambodia. However, Spacecoin noted that Kenya’s regulatory approval underscores growing recognition by national authorities of alternative connectivity solutions capable of overcoming economic and logistical barriers to network expansion.

The developments follow the successful launch of three additional Spacecoin satellites in late November last year, strengthening the firm’s capacity to deploy decentralised satellite communication systems. According to the company, the pilots will demonstrate proof-of-concept applications for next-generation telecommunications infrastructure, with Spacecoin providing satellite and core technology while local partners manage ground operations and user support.

The move comes amid intensifying competition in Africa’s satellite internet market, where SpaceX-owned Starlink has rapidly expanded its footprint and is now operational in 26 countries. Spacecoin is positioning its decentralised, open-source approach as a complementary alternative focused on affordability, scalability and local collaboration.