There has been growing concern among some customers regarding the “shipment on hold” status seen in their DHL tracking for Starlink kits. Contrary to the suspicions that the government might be seizing shipments, the kits are simply undergoing routine customs clearance by ZIMRA. Importantly, Starlink Zimbabwe Private Limited, the local subsidiary, is handling the import process, not individual buyers. This means any issues related to customs and duty will be resolved by the company, and once cleared, the kits will be delivered to customers via DHL.

Understanding the Import Process

Typically, when purchasing an international item, customs duties are calculated based on the Free on Board (FOB) price, which refers to the value of the goods at the point of export, excluding shipping and insurance. In the case of Starlink kits, however, buyers do not need to worry about handling customs themselves. Instead, Starlink Zimbabwe Private Limited, licensed by POTRAZ, is responsible for ensuring the clearance of kits through ZIMRA. Starlink has already accounted for all customs duties, and deliveries will proceed after clearance.

Common Concerns and Clarifications

The current “shipment on hold” status visible on tracking platforms is simply part of the routine customs clearance process, not an indication of government interference. This is especially reassuring considering that Starlink has the full support of Zimbabwean authorities, contrary to earlier concerns when the government initially viewed Starlink as a security threat. Now, government officials, including POTRAZ, have publicly acknowledged that Starlink has been licensed to operate.

No more hiding, smuggling and work arounds

Previously, some Zimbabweans resorted to creative methods such as travelling to neighbouring countries like Malawi to buy Starlink kits and activate them in roaming mode, as the service had not officially launched in Zimbabwe. Now that Starlink has officially started selling to Zimbabwean customers, these kits can be ordered directly via the official website, eliminating the need for workarounds. This is a major development for the Zimbabwean internet market.

Customer Concerns and the “On Hold” Status

In recent days, some customers have expressed anxiety upon seeing the “shipment on hold” status in their tracking updates. When the kit leaves the United States, customers are notified and given a DHL tracking number to monitor the progress of their order. However, the “on hold” message does not indicate an unusual delay; rather, it is a normal part of the process when imported goods arrive in Zimbabwe. Packages must pass through customs inspection before they can be released for delivery. This is routine for all international shipments.

To read more about the shipping process and what to expect, refer to our detailed coverage here.

Starlink’s Impact on Zimbabwe’s Internet Market

The introduction of Starlink to Zimbabwe is shaking up the country’s internet service market. With Starlink kits now arriving in the country, Zimbabweans can look forward to an internet service with unprecedented speeds and reliability. However, this increased competition is also putting pressure on local ISPs to improve their services. For more on Starlink’s market impact and competition with other ISPs, see our coverage on Starlink’s growing presence in Harare.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does the “shipment on hold” status mean?
This is a standard customs clearance procedure for all international imports. Starlink Zimbabwe Private Limited is handling the clearance.

2. Will I need to pay additional duties?
No, Starlink has already taken care of all customs duties.

3. When will my Starlink kit be delivered?
Once the kit clears customs, DHL will deliver it. This could happen as early as the following week.

4. Is the government involved in holding the shipments?
No, the “on hold” status is part of the normal customs process and is not related to any government intervention.

5. How will I know when my kit is ready for delivery?
DHL will contact you once your kit has cleared customs and is ready for delivery.

Conclusion

The arrival of Starlink kits in Zimbabwe signifies a major leap forward in the country’s internet capabilities. While some customers are understandably concerned about the shipment process, it’s important to remember that these delays are part of routine customs procedures. Starlink Zimbabwe Private Limited is handling all import duties and logistics, so there’s no need for buyers to panic. As Starlink’s rollout in Zimbabwe continues, customers can expect improved access to high-speed satellite internet, further transforming the local digital landscape.

Stay tuned to Zimpricecheck.com for more updates on Starlink’s developments in Zimbabwe and how they will affect the market.

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