Starlink, the satellite internet service from Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has been officially available in Zimbabwe for less than a week. Yet in this short time, it has already begun to transform the country’s digital landscape. Far from being just another internet service provider, Starlink is rapidly becoming the nucleus of an entire industry, with a growing ecosystem of allied businesses forming around it.

When news first broke that Starlink was coming to Zimbabwe, some voices expressed concern that the American company would be detrimental to established local players like Liquid Home, TelOne, and others who provide vital formal employment. However, the reality is proving to be quite different. While Starlink itself may not be directly employing large numbers of Zimbabweans, it is catalysing the creation of numerous business opportunities and jobs in adjacent sectors.

Starlink’s Minimal Local Presence

Starlink generally takes a hands-off approach in the markets it enters, maintaining minimal physical presence. In Zimbabwe, Starlink’s footprint consists primarily of IP addresses that route traffic and give the impression of a local connection. This lean operational model means Starlink is unlikely to become a major direct employer in Zimbabwe.

In contrast, companies like TelOne, Liquid, Econet, and NetOne are among Zimbabwe’s few remaining large-scale employers in a sea of informal and small enterprises. These telecoms giants are considered blue-chip employers, with their payslips often serving as a golden ticket for bank loans in a country where financial institutions are typically hesitant to lend to anyone outside the civil service.

Understandably, these established players feel threatened by Starlink’s arrival. Inside sources suggest that many are in “siege mode,” though the full extent of the impact remains to be seen as the dust settles.

A New Industry Emerges

While Starlink may not be hiring en masse, our research indicates that it is becoming the cornerstone of a rapidly expanding sector. The satellite internet service’s entry into Zimbabwe has created a whole new industry that is poised for exponential growth in the coming months. Let’s explore some of the opportunities that are emerging:

1. Authorised Resellers and Business Services

Some forward-thinking local companies have chosen to embrace Starlink rather than fight it. Dandemutande and Frampol, for instance, have become authorised Starlink resellers, leveraging their existing corporate client bases to offer business-class Starlink services. This strategic pivot allows them to remain relevant and even expand their offerings in the face of new competition.

For more details on how companies like Dandemutande are positioning themselves, see our article: “Exclusive: Frampol Approved as Starlink Reseller in Zimbabwe”.

2. Innovative Financing Solutions

Zimbabwe’s microfinance institutions and banks have historically been risk-averse, preferring to lend primarily to civil servants due to their stable income. However, this market is increasingly saturated. To differentiate themselves and attract new customers, some financial institutions are partnering with technology companies to offer products on credit.

Dolphin Telecoms, for example, has introduced a special credit facility for civil servants to purchase Starlink kits. This innovative approach not only helps make Starlink more accessible but also provides financial institutions with a new avenue for customer acquisition and loan disbursement.

3. 3D Printing and Custom Accessories

While Starlink’s equipment works well out of the box, many users find they need additional accessories to optimise their setup. However, official Starlink accessories are not readily available in Zimbabwe, creating a gap in the market.

Enter the world of 3D printing and custom manufacturing. We anticipate a surge in locally produced Starlink accessories, from specialised mounts to anti-theft devices. While some might turn to informal markets like Siyaso for makeshift solutions, there’s a growing opportunity for tech-savvy entrepreneurs to use 3D printing to create high-quality, custom-designed accessories that complement Starlink’s sophisticated engineering.

4. Installation and Mounting Services

The latest Starlink kit (Gen3 Version 4) doesn’t lend itself easily to mounting, especially in the Zimbabwean context where theft and vandalism are concerns. This creates a prime opportunity for local businesses to offer professional installation and secure mounting solutions.

We foresee a booming industry of skilled technicians and metalworkers collaborating to provide secure, custom mounting options for Starlink dishes. Soon, we may see posters and WhatsApp statuses advertising “We Mount Starlink” services across the country.

5. Rural Internet Cafes and Communication Hubs

Zimbabwe has experienced a significant brain drain over the past decade, with many young people seeking opportunities abroad. This has created a pressing need for reliable communication services in rural areas, allowing families to stay connected with relatives in the diaspora.

While companies like TelOne have made efforts to provide satellite internet in rural areas, the service often falls short for video calls. Many rural areas still rely on 2G networks, making even photo sharing a challenge. Moreover, rural base stations are often deprioritised for backup power during outages.

Starlink’s reliable, high-speed internet could be a game-changer in this space. We anticipate enterprising individuals setting up rural internet cafes or communication hubs, offering video calling services, WhatsApp access, and other internet-based communication tools to connect rural Zimbabweans with their loved ones abroad.

For a comprehensive guide on setting up and using Starlink in Zimbabwe, including in rural areas, please refer to our article: “Starlink in Zimbabwe: Your Questions Answered”.

6. Competitive Response from Established Players

The arrival of Starlink is also spurring innovation and improved offerings from existing internet service providers. Liquid Home, for instance, has significantly reduced prices on its packages in anticipation of Starlink’s entry. While they may not be able to match Starlink’s pricing exactly, this competition is ultimately beneficial for consumers who now have more options and better value.

Ordering and Activating Starlink

For those interested in joining the Starlink revolution in Zimbabwe, the process is straightforward:

1. Visit starlink.com/orders
2. Enter your service address
3. Choose your preferred hardware option (Standard or Mini)
4. Provide contact and payment details
5. Complete your order

Starlink offers two residential packages:

• Standard Package: US$50/month, US$350 for hardware, speeds up to 200 Mbps
• Mini Package: US$30/month, US$200 for hardware, speeds up to 100 Mbps

Both packages include unlimited data and a one-time US$23 shipping fee.

For a detailed breakdown of costs and comparisons with existing options, see our article: “No more middlemen, Starlink is US$30 per month in Zimbabwe”.

Once you receive your Starlink kit (typically within 1-2 weeks), activation is simple:

1. Download the Starlink app on your smartphone
2. Follow the in-app instructions to set up your dish
3. Connect your devices to your new Starlink WiFi network

Conclusion

While it’s true that Starlink may not be immediately accessible to every Zimbabwean, its impact on the country’s internet and business landscape is undeniable. With over 300,000 current high-end internet users and countless businesses, schools, and organisations in need of reliable connectivity, there is a substantial market for Starlink’s services and the ecosystem developing around it.

As this new industry evolves, we’re likely to see continued innovation, job creation, and improved internet access across Zimbabwe. The Starlink effect goes far beyond just providing an alternative internet option – it’s driving progress, fostering competition, and opening up new possibilities for connectivity and entrepreneurship across the nation.

For a deeper dive into the potential reach and impact of Starlink in Zimbabwe, including demographic analysis, check out our article: “Starlink in Zimbabwe: How Many Can Afford It?”.

As always, we’ll continue to monitor developments in this exciting new sector and keep you updated on how they might benefit internet users and entrepreneurs across Zimbabwe.

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