When choosing an ISP (Internet Service Provider) in Kenya, you need to consider various factors to ensure that you get the best services. There are various ISPs in Kenya, with big and renowned brands like Safaricom, Faiba, and Zuku taking a significant market share. Smaller companies are also available, offering different packages and services. With all these companies in the market, it’s overwhelming to navigate through the options and choose the right one for your needs.
This article shares five factors you should consider when choosing an ISP in Kenya. They will give you a clear understanding of what to look for in an ISP and help you make an informed choice.
1. Network coverage and availability
Internet service providers target urban areas or highly populated areas where they can get many subscribers. Also, different ISPs in Kenya offer different network coverage, such as fibre optics and wireless connectivity, and they all have varying levels of availability. Therefore, do some research first before settling on an ISP—know the ones that are available in your area. This is especially important if you’re in a rural or remote area where the population is scarce. You can check for coverage and availability on ISP websites.
2. Internet speeds
Internet speed is another factor you should consider while choosing an ISP in Kenya. Having network coverage does not guarantee a fast and reliable connection. Therefore, you should know how fast an ISP is beforehand so as not to get disappointed by slow internet after subscription.
This also depends on what you intend to use the internet for. If you simply want to browse the web and read online articles, then the speed doesn’t have to be super fast. However, if you intend to use the internet for video streaming or online gaming, then you need to consider this factor seriously. ISPs in Kenya offer different speeds and bandwidths, so it’s important to determine what you need and compare your options.
3. Reliability and stability
Reliability and stability are also crucial when choosing an ISP in Kenya. An ISP may offer great coverage and speeds but if it’s unreliable, you’ll experience frequent disconnections and slowdowns. To check for reliability and stability, read online reviews and ratings by customers. You can also ask a friend who uses the ISP for their experiences.
4. Pricing
Pricing is also a key factor to consider. You’ll want to understand the pricing and contract terms offered by different ISPs and compare them to find the best deal for your needs. ISPs in Kenya provide a range of cost structures, such as monthly, weekly, or pay-as-you-go options, so you have to understand what you’re getting for your money.
5. Customer service and technical support
Having access to good customer service and technical support is also essential when choosing an ISP in Kenya. A good ISP should be able to provide help and promptly attend to your queries. Therefore, you need to do your due diligence and settle for an ISP that will provide help whenever you need it.
Conclusion
There are many ISPs in Kenya and they are not all the same. Some offer high-speed internet, others are more reliable, and some are more pocket-friendly. You might not get one that will give you everything but you can find one that will give you a good balance of all the qualities. All you have to do is research and shop around to find the best Internet service provider for your needs.
