Are you using or planning on using Starlink in Zimbabwe on roaming? Then you better brace yourself for some bad news. SpaceX’s satellite internet service, announces major price increases for its roaming services. This news comes as a blow to many Zimbabweans who have come to rely on Starlink for reliable and high-speed internet in a country where established players have been charging a fortune for basic connectivity.
Starlink’s Growing Popularity in Zimbabwe
Starlink has not officially launched its services in Zimbabwe, forcing users to rely on roaming services by purchasing kits from neighbouring countries such as Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique. Despite this workaround, Starlink has gained a strong following due to its ability to deliver high-speed internet in remote and underserved areas. However, the upcoming price hikes pose a significant challenge for the many Zimbabweans who have come to depend on this service. As of August 2024, the cost of Starlink roaming will increase substantially, aligning more closely with the higher prices observed in other regions.
Current and New Pricing Structures
Currently, Starlink roaming users in Zimbabwe, who have registered their service addresses in neighbouring countries, pay different amounts based on the country of registration. Here is a comparison of the current and new prices in various neighbouring countries:
- Zambia: ZMW2,500 (~R1,772 or ~$95 USD) per month (up from ZMW1,000)
- Mozambique: MZN22,000 (~R2,134 or ~$116 USD) per month
- Malawi: MWK600,000 (~R1,845 or ~$100 USD) per month
- Eswatini: R6,800 for hardware and R1,900 (~$103 USD) per month
- Rwanda: RWF460,000 (~R6,521 for hardware) and RWF128,000 (~R1,828 or ~$99 USD) per month
These increases represent a significant jump from the previous rates, with some prices nearly doubling. For example, in Zambia, the cost has risen from ZMW1,000 to ZMW2,500, marking a 150% increase.
Comparing Starlink with Local Broadband Options
Here is a detailed comparison of Starlink’s new prices with local broadband packages from various Zimbabwean providers:
| Provider | Package | Price in Local Currency | Price in USD | Data Allocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starlink (Zambia Roaming) | Zambia | ZMW2,500 | $95 | Uncapped |
| Starlink (Mozambique Roaming) | Mozambique | MZN22,000 | $116 | Uncapped |
| Starlink (Malawi Roaming) | Malawi | MWK600,000 | $100 | Uncapped |
| Starlink (Eswatini Roaming) | Eswatini | R1,900 | $103 | Uncapped |
| Starlink (Rwanda Roaming) | Rwanda | RWF128,000 | $99 | Uncapped |
| Liquid Home (Zimbabwe) | FibroniX Family Entertainment | ZiG 3,054 | $218 | Up to 100Mbps, 30 days |
| Liquid Home (Zimbabwe) | FibroniX Modern Family | ZiG 4,090 | $292 | Up to 150Mbps, 30 days |
| Liquid Home (Zimbabwe) | FibroniX SpeeD 555 | US$99 | $99 | 400GB + 155GB |
| TelOne (Zimbabwe) | Premium Package | US$60 | $60 | Up to 100Mbps, 30 days |
| TelOne (Zimbabwe) | Modern Family Package | US$90 | $90 | Up to 150Mbps, 30 days |
| Utande (Zimbabwe) | Business Standard | US$145 | $145 | Up to 15Mbps, Unlimited |
| Utande (Zimbabwe) | Business Pro | US$200 | $200 | Up to 20Mbps, Unlimited |
| Utande (Zimbabwe) | Business Max | US$230 | $230 | Up to 30Mbps, Unlimited |
| Econet SmartBiz (Zimbabwe) | SmartBiz 5 | US$70 | $70 | Up to 5Mbps, FUP |
| Econet SmartBiz (Zimbabwe) | SmartBiz 10 | US$99 | $99 | Up to 10Mbps, FUP |
| Econet SmartBiz (Zimbabwe) | SmartBiz 20 | US$259 | $259 | Up to 20Mbps, FUP |
| Econet SmartBiz (Zimbabwe) | SmartBiz 50 | US$450 | $450 | Up to 50Mbps, FUP |
The Impact on Zimbabwean Users
The price hikes for Starlink roaming will undoubtedly strain the affordability of reliable internet for many Zimbabweans. However, it’s important to note that Starlink’s roaming fees, even after the increase, might still be cheaper than traditional broadband options offering comparable speeds.
A Silver Lining: Starlink’s Official Launch in Zimbabwe
Despite the roaming price challenges, there’s a positive development. Starlink’s recent licensing approval in Zimbabwe paves the way for a local rollout by IMC Communications. These official services are expected to offer more stable and regulated pricing, with plans starting at $38 per month for 50Mbps, potentially offsetting the cost increases for roaming users.
Leave A Comment