Big news on Starlink’s usage in Zimbabwe: President Mnangagwa recently highlighted how vital innovation, science, and technology are for the country’s future. He posted on X, stressing how the government is all in on creating a tech-friendly environment.
So Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink just got the green light from the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ). This is huge because Starlink will bring high-speed, low-cost internet to Zimbabwe, especially the rural areas, thanks to their local partner, IMC Communications (Pvt) Ltd.
Now, this is where it gets interesting. The same government that’s now rolling out the red carpet for Starlink had previously denied them access. What’s changed? Well, that’s anyone’s guess.
President Mnangagwa is pushing for more foreign investments, branding Zimbabwe as the go-to spot for business. He congratulated Starlink and IMC Communications on this big step, seeing it as crucial for Zimbabwe’s goal of becoming a fully digital, upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
So, while the government’s sudden change of heart is a bit of a mystery, it looks like Zimbabwe is gearing up for a digital revolution.
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, providing high-speed internet access to remote and underserved areas around the world. Starlink is not yet officially available in Zimbabwe, but it is expected to launch in the country in late 2023 or early 2024.
To check if Starlink is available in your area, you can visit the Starlink website and enter your address. If your address is not yet covered by Starlink, you can sign up for the waitlist to be notified when service becomes available.
Once Starlink is available in Zimbabwe, you will be able to order a Starlink kit, which includes a Starlink Dish, Starlink Router, and all necessary cables and mounting hardware. The Starlink Dish is a small, flat dish that is mounted on your roof or in your yard. The Starlink Router is a Wi-Fi router that connects your devices to the Starlink network.
Starlink offers a variety of pricing plans, including a residential plan, a business plan, and a portability plan. The residential plan is the most affordable option and is designed for home use. The business plan is more expensive but offers faster speeds and higher data limits. The portability plan allows you to use Starlink internet on the go.
Starlink is a promising new option for internet access in Zimbabwe. It offers high-speed internet access to remote and underserved areas, where traditional internet service providers may not be available. Starlink is also a relatively affordable option, especially when compared to the cost of VSAT internet.
Benefits of Starlink in Zimbabwe
Starlink could offer a number of benefits to Zimbabwe, including:
Increased internet access: Starlink could provide high-speed internet access to remote and underserved areas of Zimbabwe, which could help to bridge the digital divide.
Improved education: Starlink could provide students and teachers with access to online educational resources, which could help to improve the quality of education in Zimbabwe.
Enhanced economic activity: Starlink could provide businesses with access to reliable and high-speed internet, which could help to boost economic activity in Zimbabwe.
Improved healthcare: Starlink could provide healthcare providers with access to online medical resources and telemedicine services, which could help to improve the quality of healthcare in Zimbabwe.
Challenges of Starlink in Zimbabwe
There are also a few challenges that Starlink may face in Zimbabwe, including:
Regulatory approval: Starlink will need to obtain regulatory approval from the Zimbabwean government before it can launch service in the country.
Affordability: Starlink kits are relatively expensive, and the cost of Starlink service may be prohibitive for some Zimbabweans.
Power outages: Zimbabwe is prone to power outages, which could disrupt Starlink service.
Conclusion
Starlink is a promising new option for internet access in Zimbabwe. It offers high-speed internet access to remote and underserved areas, where traditional internet service providers may not be available. Starlink is also a relatively affordable option, especially when compared to the cost of VSAT internet.
However, there are also a few challenges that Starlink may face in Zimbabwe, including regulatory approval, affordability, and power outages. It remains to be seen how Starlink will address these challenges, but it is clear that Starlink has the potential to make a significant impact on internet access and development in Zimbabwe.
