When it comes to affordable internet solutions in Kenya, Poa Internet stands out as one of the cheapest and most accessible options. Over the past three months, we have had firsthand experience using Poa Internet, and in this review, we will share our insights into its performance, installation process, and overall reliability. From affordable subscriptions starting at Ksh 450 per week to installation costs, the strengths and limitations of this wireless internet service will be unpacked to help you make an informed decision.
What is Poa Internet?
Poa Internet is an internet service provider (ISP) based in Kenya, primarily offering wireless internet connections. The service targets low- and middle-income households by providing budget-friendly internet plans. The company uses wireless technology to connect its customers, relying on outdoor receivers and routers to bring Wi-Fi to homes.
For individuals and families looking for affordable internet for basic usage like browsing and streaming, Poa Internet has emerged as a strong contender. Their packages start from as low as Ksh 450 per week or around Ksh 1,500 per month, offering speeds up to 5 Mbps. While these speeds are on the lower end of the spectrum, they meet the needs of users looking for simple home usage.
Installation Process and Costs
When you sign up for Poa Internet, the installation process is fairly straightforward. We found that the initial installation cost is approximately Ksh 5,000, which includes the first month’s subscription. Once payment is made, the company schedules an installation, typically within 4 days. The crew from Poa Internet arrives at your location with the necessary equipment, including the wireless receiver and router.
One potential downside of Poa’s installation process is the reliance on line-of-sight connectivity. This means that for the receiver to pick up a strong signal, it must have an unobstructed view of Poa’s signal booster or access point. If there are buildings, trees, or any other obstructions between your home and the signal source, your internet performance could suffer significantly.
Security Concerns with Outdoor Installations
During our three months of using Poa Internet, we noticed a few concerns regarding the outdoor receivers. If you live in an area where security is an issue, be aware that these receivers could be targets for theft. Since there’s a high demand for this equipment among other ISPs and buyers on the black market, it’s important to take precautions. Securing the receiver firmly and perhaps consulting Poa on recommended safety measures could mitigate these risks.
Internet Speed and Performance
The main package from Poa Internet offers speeds of up to 5 Mbps. This is generally sufficient for light household usage—such as browsing social media, reading the news, and streaming videos in lower resolutions like 720p. If your household’s internet needs are limited to these activities, Poa Internet can serve you well without significant issues.
However, we found that Poa’s 5 Mbps package is not well-suited for more intensive internet activities like gaming, uploading large files, or working remotely if your job involves data-intensive tasks. One thing we believe Poa Internet should address is the upload speed, which often goes unmentioned during the signup process. While download speed determines how fast you can receive data (e.g., watching videos), upload speed dictates how fast you can send data (e.g., uploading files or video conferencing). Unfortunately, Poa’s upload speeds are significantly lower than their download speeds, and this presents problems if you’re trying to upload documents, stream live, or participate in video calls.
The Importance of Upload Speeds
From our experience, the low upload speeds were a major limitation. Even basic tasks like sending emails with attachments or participating in a Zoom meeting became frustratingly slow. We feel that internet providers should be more transparent about upload speeds, so customers can have realistic expectations based on their specific internet needs. If your work requires a lot of uploading, Poa Internet may not be the right fit for you.
Downtime and Customer Support
Another challenge we faced with Poa Internet was downtime. Like many wireless services, Poa Internet is prone to interruptions. This can happen due to a weak signal, weather conditions, or power outages affecting the signal booster. Troubleshooting wireless connections is not as straightforward as troubleshooting fiber connections. For instance, even the slightest obstruction between the transmitter and receiver can cause significant drops in performance.
When downtimes occurred, we found Poa’s response to be a bit cumbersome. Instead of sending a technician directly, they often asked us to perform troubleshooting tasks first. While this isn’t unusual in the ISP industry. It became inconvenient when the issue was due to something we couldn’t control, like interference with the signal. Compared to fiber optic connections, where issues can often be resolved more easily. Poa’s wireless network was more susceptible to disruptions, which proved frustrating at times.
Ideal Use Cases for Poa Internet
From our experience, Poa Internet is best suited for light home use. Where the primary activities include casual browsing, social media, and streaming at lower resolutions (such as 720p). For families or individuals who don’t require heavy-duty internet use, it is a highly affordable option. However, for those who work from home or have more demanding internet needs. Poa’s limitations (low speeds, inconsistent connectivity, and slow troubleshooting) make it a less viable choice.
If you’re running a business or need reliable internet for work-from-home scenarios. We would strongly recommend considering other ISPs that provide fiber optic connections. Which are generally more stable and offer better upload speeds. While Poa Internet’s pricing is competitive, the interruptions and occasional downtimes could negatively affect your workflow or productivity.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Poa Internet is an excellent option for low-cost, light internet usage. It provides a solution for many Kenyans who otherwise would not be able to afford internet access. And for that, they deserve credit. The service shines in areas where affordable options are limited. However it also comes with some clear limitations, especially for those who need consistent, high-speed internet with both solid download and upload capabilities.
If you are considering Poa Internet, we would recommend it for basic home use and streaming content at 720p and below. However, if you need reliable internet for business or work-from-home purposes, you might want to explore fiber optic alternatives that offer better performance and more robust customer support.
Note: If you’ve had experiences with Poa Internet or any other ISP, feel free to comment below with your provider and location. This will help us build a broader understanding of the best ISPs in different parts of Kenya.
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