As Starlink continues its rapid expansion in Zimbabwe, a new challenge has emerged: payment processing. While thousands of Zimbabweans are now enjoying unprecedented internet speeds, many are struggling with the initial hurdle of paying for their Starlink kits and subscriptions. This article explores the payment landscape and why Omari is emerging as a preferred solution for Starlink customers in Zimbabwe.

The Starlink Revolution in Zimbabwe

Since its launch in Zimbabwe, Starlink has been making waves in the country’s internet landscape. As we reported earlier, DHL Zimbabwe has been overwhelmed with deliveries, processing over 3,000 Starlink kits in a single week. Users across the country are reporting speeds of up to 320 Mbps, far surpassing the capabilities of traditional providers.

The Payment Predicament

Despite the excitement surrounding Starlink’s arrival, many Zimbabweans are facing difficulties when it comes to making payments. The issue stems from the complexities of Zimbabwe’s financial ecosystem and the limitations of many local payment methods when it comes to international transactions.

EcoCash: A Popular but Problematic Option

Naturally many users turned to EcoCash’s virtual and physical MasterCards as a solution. EcoCash’s ubiquity in Zimbabwe made it an attractive option. However, several issues have emerged:

Intermittent Service: Users report that EcoCash payments are often hit-or-miss, working sometimes but failing at others.
Difficult Refund Process: When erroneous debits occur, getting refunds from EcoCash can be a lengthy and frustrating process, often taking up to a month.
Virtual Card Limitations: Many payment processors, including those used by Starlink, are wary of virtual cards with short validity periods. This has led to frequent rejections of EcoCash cards.

Enter Omari: A Promising Alternative

In light of these challenges, Omari has emerged as a recommended payment solution for Starlink users in Zimbabwe. While there are other alternatives available, Omari presents one of the easiest solutions for many users. It’s important to note that we are not officially endorsing or being compensated by Omari, but our research and user feedback suggest it offers several advantages.

How Omari Works

Omari functions similarly to EcoCash, allowing users to send and receive money through a digital wallet. However, it offers both virtual and physical Visa cards, providing a valuable alternative to EcoCash’s MasterCard-based system.

Obtaining an Omari Card

Physical Visa Card:

Available at Spar or CABS branches, or via WhatsApp delivery
Costs US$5

Virtual Visa Card:

Free to obtain
Can be requested via USSD (*707#), WhatsApp (0774707707), or the Omari mobile app

Key Features of Omari Cards

Visa-powered (as opposed to EcoCash’s MasterCard)
3D Secure for enhanced online payment security
Accepted worldwide for both online and in-store transactions

Charges and Fees

Balance enquiry: Free
POS and Online payments: 1.65% (minimum US$1.50) + 2% IMT tax for transactions above US$5
ATM withdrawals: 2.5% (minimum US$3.00)

Why Omari May Be Better for Starlink Payments

Visa Network: Starlink’s payment processor may have better compatibility with Visa cards. This is the impression we have gotten based on the issues members of our community have highlighted.
Longer Validity: Omari’s cards typically have longer validity periods, reducing the likelihood of rejection.
Improved Customer Support: Early reports suggest that resolving payment issues may be easier with Omari compared to EcoCash.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use Omari for both purchasing the Starlink kit and paying for subscriptions?
A: Yes, Omari cards can be used for both the initial kit purchase and ongoing subscription payments.

Q: Is Omari available to all Zimbabweans?
A: Yes, Omari services are available nationwide, with physical cards obtainable at Spar and CABS branches.

Q: How does Omari compare to traditional bank cards for Starlink payments?
A: While some users have success with traditional bank cards, Omari’s specialised focus on digital transactions may provide a smoother experience for Starlink payments.

Conclusion

As Starlink continues to transform Zimbabwe’s internet landscape, overcoming payment hurdles is crucial for widespread adoption. While EcoCash has been a go-to solution for many, its limitations have opened the door for alternatives like Omari. As the situation evolves, we’ll continue to monitor and report on the most effective payment solutions for Starlink users in Zimbabwe.

For those still facing challenges with Starlink setup or payments, remember that local ICT companies like TelOne are offering assistance services. Stay tuned to Zimpricecheck for the latest updates on Starlink in Zimbabwe and the evolving payment landscape.