The Secretary-General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), Francis Atwoli, has weighed in on the ongoing dispute. The dispute involves telecommunications giant Safaricom and SpaceX’s Starlink.
Atwoli’s comments come amid Safaricom’s request to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) to regulate Starlink’s operations.
Safaricom insists that the satellite internet provider should partner with local telecommunications companies. They believe it is better than offering its services directly to consumers.
Safaricom’s concerns revolve around the potential disruption Starlink’s direct-to-consumer model could cause in the local market.
They argue that it may create an uneven playing field. This could impact the sustainability of local telecom operators.
The company is urging CAK to introduce regulations. These regulations would force Starlink to collaborate with Kenyan firms. The collaboration would help deliver its internet services.
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Atwoli, however, has taken a more progressive stance, emphasizing. the importance of embracing new technologies that benefit Kenyan workers.
“Kenyan workers will benefit immensely from the great innovation, Starlink, that has been engineered by SpaceX,” Atwoli stated.
He highlighted that the core purpose of any technological advancement is to make life easier. He drew parallels with the widespread success of M-Pesa. M-Pesa has become a global phenomenon after receiving initial support.
The veteran trade unionist stressed that innovation should be harnessed to improve the livelihoods of Kenyans. This is especially important for workers in sectors that rely heavily on reliable internet connectivity.
While acknowledging Safaricom’s concerns, Atwoli urged the CAK to consider the broader benefits that Starlink could bring to the country. He highlighted the potential of Starlink in bridging the digital divide in underserved areas.
As the debate unfolds, the focus remains on how best to integrate Starlink’s technology into Kenya’s telecommunications landscape. It is crucial to ensure that local companies are included. Workers must not be left behind in the wake of rapid technological change.
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