It’s hard to believe that just a month ago, on September 4th, Starlink officially launched operations in Zimbabwe. The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of excitement, challenges, and innovation as Zimbabweans embrace this new era of high-speed internet connectivity.

A Quick Recap

The initial launch saw a surge in demand, with DHL struggling to keep up with the influx of Starlink kit imports. Many customers faced anxious moments with “shipment on hold” messages, which turned out to be a standard part of the process given the unprecedented volume of deliveries.

As we reported earlier, some eager customers opted to collect their kits directly from DHL’s sorting centre to avoid further delays. This past week, most early adopters who placed orders in the first few days of availability finally received their kits, with many proudly sharing their unboxing experiences on social media.

Mounting Solutions for the New Starlink Kits

Starlink Mounted using the official mounting pole. This is the neatest solution

The latest Generation 3 Version 4 kits (both Mini and Standard) shipped to Zimbabwe come with a kickstand rather than the previous self-orienting mount. This change has led to some creative solutions for mounting:

Official Starlink Mounting Pole: Available from the Starlink store for about US$90 (including shipping and handling). While it offers a perfect fit, be prepared for potential shipping delays.
DIY Solutions: Community members with experience mounting satellite dishes are offering services ranging from US$40 to US$90. Techniques vary, with some repurposing existing DSTV mounting poles.
3D Printed Mounts: A growing market of 3D printed mounts is emerging, typically priced around US$50 (mounting services extra). These often provide a more tailored fit compared to repurposed solutions.

Mini Kit Considerations

The Starlink Mini has proven to be the popular choice among Zimbabweans. With Starlink’s recent package restructuring, users can now choose between:

Residential Lite: US$30/month, up to 100 Mbps
Residential: US$50/month, up to 200 Mbps

While the Mini kit offers great performance, its built-in WiFi router presents some challenges when roof-mounted. Users need to carefully consider placement to ensure optimal WiFi coverage throughout their space, especially when using 5GHz networks.

WiFi Solutions

To address potential coverage issues, consider:

Additional high-quality routers in mesh mode
WiFi extenders
Official Starlink routers (available on their website)

Note: Invest in quality networking equipment to avoid creating bottlenecks in your high-speed Starlink connection. As a general rule, be wary of routers or extenders priced below US$50.

Looking Ahead

As more Zimbabweans set up their Starlink kits, we’re witnessing a transformation in the country’s internet landscape. The coming months will likely bring further innovations in mounting solutions and WiFi setups as users optimize their Starlink experience.

Stay tuned to Zimpricecheck for ongoing coverage and tips to make the most of your Starlink connection.

For a comprehensive guide on Starlink in Zimbabwe, check out our FAQ

If you need help mounting your Starlink Kit get in touch via WhatsApp +263772473953