👨🏿‍🚀 TechCabal Daily – Stranded In Space

Kenya’s leading telecommunications company, Safaricom, has expressed strong opposition to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) granting independent licenses to satellite internet providers like Starlink. In a letter to the regulator, Safaricom outlined its concerns about the potential risks and negative consequences of such a move.

The company argued that allowing satellite providers to operate independently could lead to illegal service provision, harmful interference with existing mobile networks, and compromised national security. 

Already, Starlink’s appeal is growing among users in Kenya. The ISO offers cheaper subscription plans and stronger internet connectivity to these users. The average Kenyan spends about $12-15 monthly on internet subscriptions. That amount will get them 27 GB worth of data on the Airtel network and 17GB on Safaricom. However, Starlink offers a 50GB bundle for $10. 

Starlink has already increased its user count tenfold this year alone. The ISP’s hardware discount and $15 monthly kit rental also puts it in pole position to acquire more customers. 

This growing popularity has raised concerns for Safaricom, which has invested heavily in its existing network infrastructure. To mitigate these risks, Safaricom proposed that satellite providers should only be allowed to operate in Kenya under the umbrella of existing local licensees, such as itself. This approach, according to the company, would ensure better regulation, prevent harmful interference, and protect the interests of both local operators and consumers.

Safaricom’s opposition to independent satellite internet licenses highlights the ongoing debate about the future of internet access in Kenya. The company’s concerns about potential risks and negative consequences will likely influence the CA’s decision on whether to grant such licenses.

If you have ever been stuck in an elevator, then you may be able to sympathise with veteran NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore who have been stuck in space for 2 months. While both astronauts have previously completed long-duration stays in space, their latest foray didn’t go as planned. 

Both astronauts blasted off Earth in Boeing’s new Starliner spacecraft on June 5 for a test flight. However, technical issues—helium leaks and failure of some thrusters—on the spacecraft turned an eight-day trip into a 2-month one. 

Williams and Wilmore eventually reached the International Space Station (ISS). However, the duo will have to wait an additional seven months on the ISS when the rival SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft comes to ferry them home in February 2025. 

Before the flight—which was crucial to determine if the spacecraft would be used for routine flights—engineers at NASA and Boeing spent months trying to figure out and fix issues with the Starliner. The Starliner’s launch had been postponed multiple times for years due to technical challenges encountered during its development.

The latest technical glitch of the Starliner adds to a list of engineering issues Boeing has had to deal with this year alone. In March, flight controls of a United Airlines 737 jammed as the plane landed. A LATAM 787 Dreamliner flight from Australia to New Zealand plunged mid-air, injuring 50 passengers, who were thrown from their seats and into the plane’s ceiling. As Boeing looks to fix the Starliner, it can pick up lessons from rival SpaceX which has sent nine crewed flights to space for NASA.

Source:

* Data as of 06:20 AM WAT, August 23, 2024.

• The Central Bank of Nigeria is conducting a survey to gather insights from fintech operators on their scope of activities, key issues, and challenges facing the industry. Your perspective as an operator is important to this study. Please take a moment to complete this survey. 
• We’re excited to announce our partnership with Wimbart the second edition of their pioneering pan-African research publication, “Startup Performance Reporting in Africa”. This report will shed light on the intricacies of investor relations within the African tech ecosystem. If you’re a founder, take a couple of minutes to share some key insights with us by filling out this survey. 
• The Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation is open to African innovators creating engineering solutions to local challenges. Innovators from sub-Saharan Africa should pitch viable engineering products or services that will have social or environmental benefits to the continent. Apply for the chance to get up to $25,000 in funding. 
• The Future of Capitalism Tech Startup Competition is offering $1 million to one lucky tech startup that can transform how businesses today operate. If your tech can save costs, boost efficiency, increase productivity or customer satisfaction, then apply by September 30 for a chance to win. 

Written by: Faith Omoniyi, Stephen Agwaibor & Emmanuel Nwosu

Edited by: Olumuyiwa Olowogboyega & Timi Odueso

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