Starlink, the satellite internet service provider by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has officially expanded its services to Zimbabwe, further advancing internet connectivity across Africa.
On September 7, 2024, the satellite internet provider announced on X its launch of operations in Zimbabwe.
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“Starlink’s high-speed, low latency internet is now available in Zimbabwe”.
Starlink pegged the prices for its hardware with the standard priced at $350 while the price of mini cost $200. Zimbabweans can now access Starlink at a monthly subscription of $50 per month (standard), while the smaller one (Mini) is priced at $30 per month.
Starlink’s launch in Zimbabwe comes four months after the government approved its operations. Recall that government has Previously banned the use of Starlink kits, even though the service was becoming increasingly popular among Zimbabweans seeking better internet quality. In July, IMC Communications, Starlink’s exclusive local partner, revealed that over 5,000 people were using the service illegally in the country.
This spurred the government of Zimbabwe to ordered the shut down Starlink services in the country. The order was issued by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) in an email.
Part of the mail reads,
“You are currently using Starlink in an unauthorised territory, As a result. Starlink has been directed by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) to disable your service. As described in your Terms of Service, Starlink does not guarantee when or where its Mobile or Mobile Priority Services Plans will be available. Use of such services Is dependent on many factors, including obtaining or maintaining the necessary regulatory approvals which are subject to change”.
However, Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mangagwa, has expressed optimism about Starlink’s impact. He believes that Starlink’s presence will in the Southern African country, will enhance internet access especially in rural areas. “The entry by Starlink in the digital telecommunications space in Zimbabwe is expected to result in the deployment of high speed, low cost, LEO internet infrastructure throughout Zimbabwe and particularly in all the rural areas,” he said in a May 25 post on X, announcing the approval of Starlink’s operating license.
Starlink launch in Zimbabwe, follows on the heels of its launch in Botswana earlier this week. The rollout in Zimbabwe is expected to have a transformative impact, particularly in sectors such as education, healthcare, and e-commerce, enabling more people to participate in the digital economy. This move aligns with Starlink’s broader mission to bring fast, affordable internet to every corner of the world, helping to bridge the digital gap and improve connectivity in Africa.
Overall, Starlink’s aggressive expansion in Africa, is expected to have a long-term positive effect on the continent’s digital economy, bridging the digital divide and fostering innovation across multiple sectors. The continued rollout in additional countries will further enhance the continent’s connectivity and global competitiveness.