In a significant development for Zimbabwe’s burgeoning satellite internet market, Starlink has ceased taking new orders for its services in Harare’s Central Business District (CBD) and several affluent neighbourhoods. This move comes just days after the official launch of Starlink in Zimbabwe, highlighting the overwhelming demand for high-speed internet in the country’s capital.

As we reported earlier this morning, certain areas of Harare were on the brink of reaching Starlink capacity. The company has disabled orders for its popular Starlink Mini package in these areas, including Mbare (likely due to its proximity to the CBD and industrial areas where businesses and individuals have been eagerly adopting Starlink) and the CBD proper. Additionally, several areas in the Northern suburbs are no longer offering the Mini package and are displaying a 15-minute countdown timer during the ordering process.

Understanding Starlink’s Capacity Limitations

Starlink is only taking deposits in areas that have reached capacity

To comprehend why Starlink is implementing these restrictions, it’s crucial to understand the technology behind the service. Starlink is a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite internet provider, utilising a constellation of satellites and ground-based technology to connect users to the internet. Despite its advanced technology, Starlink faces limitations in the number of users it can serve within a given geographical area.

As we explained in our article “Starlink Revamps Internet Packages in Zimbabwe: New Options and Pricing”, Starlink operates on a priority system to manage network congestion. When an area approaches optimal service capacity, the Mini package is the first to become unavailable. The appearance of a 15-minute timer during the ordering process for the Standard Kit is a clear indication that an area is nearing its capacity limit.

This capacity management strategy is not unique to Starlink. Traditional internet service providers like Liquid Home and TelOne have employed similar tactics, turning away customers in areas where their base stations are “full”. The key difference is that Starlink’s “base stations” are satellites in space, constantly moving to cover the entire Earth’s surface.

Options for Potential Starlink Customers

If you’re in an affected area and still wish to access Starlink services, there are several options available:

Use a Nearby Address: Starlink allows service within a 5-kilometre radius of your chosen address. You could potentially use an address in an adjacent area that’s within this radius and still has capacity. For example, if you’re in the CBD, you might try using an address in Mabvuku or Overspill.
Pay a Deposit: For areas that have reached capacity, Starlink is now accepting a US$50 deposit to reserve a spot in the queue for when capacity becomes available. This option allows you to secure your place without immediate access to the service.
Utilise Roaming: As detailed in our recent article “Starlink Enhances Roaming Package with In-Motion Use and International Travel”, you could purchase a kit using a friend or relative’s address in an area with available capacity, then use the roaming feature. This option costs US$100 per month and requires you to visit the registered address every 60 days unless capacity becomes available in your area.
Wait for Increased Capacity: Starlink continues to launch more satellites and improve its infrastructure. Waiting for capacity to increase in your area is a viable option if you’re not in immediate need of the service.

The Importance of Acting Quickly

As we highlighted in our article “POTRAZ Finally Acknowledges Starlink Licensing: Act Fast as Kits May Run Out”, there’s growing concern about potential shortages of Starlink kits. With the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) officially acknowledging Starlink’s licensing, demand is likely to surge further.

For those still considering Starlink, especially in urban areas where restrictions are beginning to apply, acting promptly is advisable. The company’s capacity management approach suggests that more areas may face similar restrictions in the future.

Conclusion

Starlink’s rapid adoption in Harare’s CBD and affluent neighbourhoods demonstrates the significant demand for high-speed, reliable internet in Zimbabwe. While the current restrictions may be frustrating for some potential customers, they are a necessary measure to ensure quality service for existing users.

As we continue to monitor this developing situation, we’ll provide updates on any changes or new information regarding Starlink availability in Zimbabwe. In the meantime, for those interested in and able to afford Starlink services, exploring the alternative options presented above may be the best course of action.

For more information on Starlink’s impact in Zimbabwe, including detailed pricing, setup instructions, and comparisons with other providers, please refer to our comprehensive guide: “Starlink in Zimbabwe: Your Questions Answered”.

Stay tuned to Zimpricecheck for the latest updates on Starlink and other internet service providers in Zimbabwe.