In another significant development for Southern African internet connectivity, Starlink has officially launched its services in Botswana. This move marks another step in SpaceX’s ambitious plan to provide global satellite internet coverage, with Zimbabwe potentially next in line for the service. There has been no formal announcement yet as to when the service will be officially available in Zimbabwe. We have however been informed by a source who is in the know that the planned arrival date for Zimbabwe is around 1 September. That might change but all indications are that it is highly likely that we will officially have Starlink on this date although this being Zimbabwe an unforeseen hurdle might emerge.

Starlink’s Botswana Launch

Starlink received approval to operate in Botswana in May 2024, following a meeting between the country’s president and Starlink executives in the US. This approval came after an initial ban on the service, highlighting the changing attitudes towards satellite internet in the region.

Pricing in Botswana

The pricing structure for Starlink in Botswana is as follows:

Equipment Cost: P4,820 (approximately US$360)
Monthly Subscription (Residential): P688 (about US$51)
Regional Roaming: P1,380 (roughly US$100)

These prices align with Starlink’s recent price adjustments across Africa, reflecting a nearly 100% increase from their initial offerings.

What This Means for Zimbabwe

With Botswana now online, attention turns to Zimbabwe as a potential next destination for Starlink. Here’s what we know:

Anticipated Launch: While no official date has been announced, there are strong indications that Starlink is preparing for a Zimbabwe debut, possibly as soon as September 1st, 2024.
Regulatory Hurdles: As of our last update, POTRAZ (Zimbabwe’s telecommunications regulator) had not yet granted Starlink a license to operate. This could potentially delay the launch or require partnerships with local operators.
Pricing Expectations: If Botswana’s pricing is any indication, Zimbabweans can expect similar costs for Starlink services. This would place Starlink at a premium compared to some local options but could offer superior speed and reliability.
Competition Response: Local operators are already preparing for Starlink’s potential entry. Econet, for instance, has introduced competitive uncapped 5G packages starting at US$45 per month, directly challenging Starlink’s anticipated offerings.

Regional Context

Botswana becomes the 6th country in Southern Africa to receive Starlink services, joining Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Madagascar, and Eswatini. This expanding footprint in the region suggests that Starlink is committed to increasing its presence in Africa, despite challenges such as regulatory approvals and pricing concerns.

What to Expect

As Starlink continues its rollout across Southern Africa, we can anticipate:

Increased competition in the ISP market
Potential improvements in rural connectivity
Possible adjustments in pricing and packages from local providers
Growing discussions around internet accessibility and affordability

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When will Starlink be available in Zimbabwe?
A: While rumors suggest a September 1st, 2024 launch, there’s no official confirmation yet. We’re awaiting announcements from Starlink or POTRAZ.

Q: How does Starlink’s pricing in Botswana compare to local options in Zimbabwe?
A: Starlink’s pricing in Botswana is higher than some local Zimbabwean options like Econet’s SmartBiz. However, it may offer faster speeds and better reliability.

Q: Will Starlink face the same regulatory challenges in Zimbabwe as it did initially in Botswana?
A: It’s possible. While there’s interest in Starlink’s services, regulatory approval is still pending in Zimbabwe.

Q: How might Starlink’s entry affect current internet providers in Zimbabwe?
A: We’re already seeing proactive measures from companies like Econet. Expect more competitive pricing and package offerings from local ISPs.

Stay tuned to Zimpricecheck for the latest updates on Starlink’s regional expansion and its potential launch in Zimbabwe.