In a significant development for Zimbabwe’s internet landscape, Starlink has begun shipping its highly anticipated satellite internet kits to customers in the country. This move marks a crucial milestone in the company’s expansion into the Zimbabwean market, following its official launch earlier this week.

As reported in our previous article, “Starlink Revamps Internet Packages in Zimbabwe: New Options and Pricing”, the company has already made swift adjustments to its offerings, introducing new residential and business packages tailored to the Zimbabwean market. This rapid response to local conditions has set Starlink apart from traditional Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the country.

First Shipments Underway

Several users have shared with Zimpricecheck screenshots of emails confirming that their Starlink kits have been dispatched. These initial shipments primarily consist of orders placed during the first days of Starlink’s official launch in Zimbabwe. Notably, customers who had previously reserved their kits and opted for the Standard Kit option are among the first to receive shipping notifications.

DHL Handling Deliveries

Starlink has partnered with DHL, a globally recognised courier service, to manage the delivery of its kits to Zimbabwean customers. Each order has been assigned a unique DHL tracking number, allowing users to monitor the progress of their shipments in real-time. DHL’s reputation for efficiency in international logistics suggests that, barring unforeseen circumstances, the first batch of Starlink kits could arrive in Zimbabwe as early as Wednesday next week.

Impact on Local ISPs

The swift rollout of Starlink services in Zimbabwe continues to send shockwaves through the local internet service industry. As we discussed in our article “Starlink Halts Orders in Harare CBD and Affluent Neighbourhoods: What You Need to Know”, the company has already reached capacity in certain high-demand areas, including Harare’s Central Business District and some wealthy neighbourhoods.

While this capacity limitation might offer a temporary reprieve for local ISPs in urban areas, our research indicates that Starlink has already made significant inroads in the VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) market. High-value remote clients such as mines, tea estates, and rural schools have been particularly quick to adopt Starlink’s superior offerings.

Traditional VSAT services, known for their relatively slow speeds and high costs, are struggling to compete with Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency solution. This shift is particularly pronounced in remote areas where terrestrial internet infrastructure is limited or non-existent.

Liquid Telecom’s recent partnership with Intelsat, as reported earlier, may provide some competition in this space. However, with Starlink’s capacity far from exhausted in most rural areas, the exodus of VSAT clients to the new service is likely to continue unabated.

Enhanced Roaming and Flexibility

Adding to its appeal, Starlink has recently enhanced its Roaming package, as detailed in our article “Starlink Enhances Roaming Package with In-Motion Use and International Travel”. These improvements, including the ability to use the service while in motion and during international travel, further differentiate Starlink from traditional ISPs and make it an attractive option for businesses and individuals with mobile connectivity needs.

Options for Potential Customers

For those still interested in acquiring a Starlink kit, particularly in areas where capacity has been reached, there are still options available. As we outlined in “Starlink Mini Still Available: How to Order Despite Urban Restrictions”, customers can potentially use nearby addresses or explore the Roaming package option.

Looking Ahead

The commencement of kit shipments represents a crucial phase in Starlink’s rollout in Zimbabwe. As the first users begin to receive and set up their equipment, we can expect to see real-world performance data and user experiences emerging in the coming weeks.

This development is likely to further intensify competition in Zimbabwe’s internet service market. Traditional ISPs will need to innovate and adapt quickly to retain their customer base in the face of Starlink’s expanding presence.

For Zimbabwean internet users, particularly those in underserved areas, the arrival of Starlink kits heralds a new era of connectivity. The potential for high-speed, low-latency internet access could have far-reaching implications for education, business, and overall economic development in the country.

As always, Zimpricecheck will continue to monitor and report on the evolving situation. We encourage users who receive their Starlink kits to share their experiences, helping to build a comprehensive picture of the service’s performance across different parts of Zimbabwe.

Stay tuned for further updates as we track the arrival and installation of the first Starlink kits in Zimbabwe, and their impact on the country’s internet landscape.