An internet service provider is a company that lets you access the internet at your home or office with a monthly subscription. Think of it like DSTV or GoTv instead of providing you with TV channels, you get connected to the internet.
Launching an internet service provider (ISP) company in Kenya is not as challenging as many people might think. But that will necessitate a significant amount of investment from you. It will take a lot of arrangements and understanding of your target market and the entire Kenyan internet industry. However, once you know how to start an internet service provider company in Kenya, you will enjoy the profitability of running such a business.
How To Be An ISP In Kenya
ISP (Internet Service Provider) is a valuable business since it yields the highest earnings. In order to make your business run smoothly, you must have a better understanding of the target market.
1. Get the right permits and licensing
You must first apply for an application service provider license as an ISP. The process has six steps that include:
- Filling out the application service provider form.
- Paying the application fee, and submitting the official receipts.
- Obtaining an offer letter.
- Paying license fees.
- Obtaining the application’s service provider license.
Some of the documents you will need include:
- The filled applications service provider form.
- Certificate of incorporation. Certificate of compliance.
- A Certificate from the Capital Markets Authority.
- List of shareholders and directors. Tax compliance certificate.
- Identity cards of all directors of Kenyans.
- Passports for foreign directors.
When getting started as an ISP, you will need the above documentation to start an Internet service provider company in Kenya. The confusion comes when you want to become an internet wholesaler. In that case, you will need business permits, VAT registration, and a tax identification number (PIN).
If you are buying internet from an already established ISP, like Safaricom, you do not need any licenses if you are not selling the service to any customers.
2. Find a location for your services
Before you can begin building or spending money, on the internet service provider business opportunity, first find a neighbourhood that will be suitable for your operations. The area should have the right characteristics that will allow you to achieve your goal, which is to attract as many customers are possible. You can start evaluating the area based on:
A relay location can be a building, water tank, radio tower, or home that will allow you to install your wireless access points so that your customers can connect to them. When choosing the area, ensure you have a clear line of sight from your customers’ rooftop to your relay site.
2. Population density
The best areas to set up an internet business in Kenya are near towns. That will allow you to add more customers to each of your towers or relay sites.
While you can set up your equipment in rural areas, many do not have enough disposable incomes to spend on monthly internet services. Furthermore, if you can see over 100 rooftops from your relay site, then you have a better chance of attracting many clients.
3. Choose a fibre provider
The style of a home, especially its type of roof, can tell you the challenges you will face when installing your equipment. In short, choose an area with multiple dwelling units such as apartments. Alternatively, the location should have homes that make it easy for you to set up the infrastructure.
You have many options when it comes to choosing a fibre provider. Safaricom, Access Group Kenya, Jamii Telecommunications, and ZUKU are a few examples. Go for a company that offers reasonable rates and has a fibre line near you and your customers. The amount you will pay will depend on the internet speed you choose. For example, getting 1GBps will help you serve at least 500 customers.
Style of homes
The style of a home, especially its type of roof, can tell you the challenges you will face when installing your equipment. In short, choose an area with multiple dwelling units such as apartments. Alternatively, the location should have homes that make it easy for you to set up the infrastructure.
4. Locate a relay site
Your next step is to find a relay site. A practical relay site is one that has:
Access to 115V AC power to plug your appliances. A space to mount your internet infrastructure. Easy access for your maintenance crew. A clear line of sight to your customers. A clear line of sight back to your relay station or fibre.
Topography
Since you need a clear line of sight from your relay site to your customers’ homes, ensure the structures around the area are high enough. Hills and storey buildings are excellent. But for residential or commercial buildings, you will have to discuss some form of payment with the owners.
5. Buy the right hardware
The wireless internet service provider equipment you will need will depend on your number of relay locations. Ideally, these are hardware platforms that allow users to connect to your network. Some of the components you will need are:
- Switches
- Servers
- Enterprise-level computers
- Routers
- Power generators (optional)
- Litebeams
- Satellite antenna
- Cables
- UPS units
6. Build the network
Before you can supply internet to customers, you need to build switching and routing topology for your network. If you understand networking, the whole step will be easy for you. Having a background in IT can help, especially if you have certifications such as:
- Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert
- CompTIA Network+
Cisco Certified Network Professional Otherwise, consider hiring experts to do it for you. The whole process will entail mounting antennas at relay points to amp your ISP signal and doing some wiring at a customer’s home.
7. Run your business
Once you have everything in place, you can start running your wireless internet service provider services. Where possible, you will have to hire a few staff to work on maintaining the network. You will also have to market yourself to customers so that they can buy your business.
If you want to know how to start an internet service provider company, check the availability of fibre in the area you want to run the business. Secondly, determine whether you have the finances to establish the entity. Once you check all the boxes, start by purchasing the needed equipment, building your network, and supplying internet to your customers.
With many companies entering the home and corporate internet sector, Tuko.co.ke has created a list of all internet service providers in the country. The list features all the providers and their plans.