Just days after its official launch in Zimbabwe, Starlink has demonstrated its commitment to adapting to local market conditions by revamping its internet packages. This swift response to customer feedback stands in stark contrast to many local internet service providers, who often take years to adjust their offerings. As of 11 September 2024, Starlink has introduced new residential and business packages, providing more flexibility and options for Zimbabwean users.

New Residential Packages

Starlink has renamed and restructured its residential packages, moving away from the previous Standard and Mini options. The new lineup includes:

Residential (formerly Standard Package):

Price: US$50 per month
Features: Faster speeds, priority data during peak hours
Ideal for: Users who rely heavily on internet for work and education

Residential Lite:

Price: US$30 per month
Features: Unlimited data, but deprioritised during peak hours
Ideal for: Users with basic internet needs or budget constraints

Roaming:

Price: US$100 per month
Features: Allows use outside the registered service area
Ideal for: Users who need to move their Starlink kit between locations

It’s important to note that all packages still offer unlimited data, maintaining Starlink’s commitment to unrestricted internet access.

Business Packages

Starlink has also introduced business-oriented packages:

Priority – 40GB: US$71 per month
Priority – 1TB: US$101 per month
Priority – 2TB: US$200 per month

These business packages guarantee priority speeds during peak hours until the allocated data is exhausted. After that, users are placed under the residential package speeds.

Comparing Options

The new package structure addresses several issues that arose during Starlink’s initial launch in Zimbabwe. Previously, users who purchased the more affordable Mini kit (US$200 hardware cost) were limited to the 100 Mbps package, while those opting for the Standard kit (US$350 hardware cost) were locked into the faster, but pricier 200 Mbps package.

Now, users have more flexibility. Those with the Mini kit can upgrade to the Residential package for higher speeds if needed, while Standard kit owners can downgrade to the Residential Lite package to save money if they don’t require the full 200 Mbps speeds.

This flexibility is particularly welcome given that many Zimbabweans, accustomed to slower internet speeds, may not fully utilise a 100 Mbps connection initially. As we noted in our article Starlink in Zimbabwe: How Many Can Afford It?, the majority of internet users in the country currently rely on mobile data, with only a small percentage using high-speed fixed connections.

How to Order and Activate Starlink

For those interested in trying Starlink, the ordering process remains straightforward:

Visit starlink.com/orders
Enter your service address
Choose your preferred hardware option (Standard or Mini kit)
Select your desired package
Provide contact and payment details
Complete your order

Payment can be made using various methods, including credit/debit cards and EcoCash through its Virtual Card Number (VCN) service. For detailed instructions on using EcoCash, please refer to our article No more middlemen, Starlink is US$30 per month in Zimbabwe.

Once your equipment arrives (typically within 1-2 weeks), activation is simple:

Download the Starlink app on your smartphone
Follow the in-app instructions to set up your dish
Connect your devices to your new Starlink WiFi network

For a comprehensive guide on setting up and using Starlink in Zimbabwe, please see our article Starlink in Zimbabwe: Your Questions Answered.

Availability Concerns

It’s worth noting that as of 11 September 2024, Starlink had temporarily stopped taking orders for the Mini kit in Harare and other major towns due to high demand. This situation may change rapidly, so potential customers should check the Starlink website for the most up-to-date information on availability.

As we reported in Breaking news: Starlink is no longer taking new orders for the Mini in Harare, this pause in Mini kit orders highlights the significant interest in Starlink’s services among Zimbabweans.

Conclusion

Starlink’s quick response to customer needs and market conditions in Zimbabwe is commendable. By offering a range of packages at different price points and with varying features, Starlink is positioning itself to cater to a wide spectrum of internet users in the country.

This flexibility and adaptability could prove challenging for local internet service providers, who may need to reassess their offerings to remain competitive. As we continue to monitor the evolving internet landscape in Zimbabwe, it’s clear that Starlink’s entry is already driving positive changes in terms of pricing, speed, and service options.

For Zimbabwean internet users, these new Starlink packages represent an exciting opportunity to access high-speed, reliable internet at various price points. Whether you’re a casual user, a remote worker, or a business owner, there’s likely a Starlink package that could meet your needs.

As always, we recommend carefully considering your internet usage requirements and budget before making a decision. We’ll continue to provide updates on Starlink and other internet options in Zimbabwe to help you make informed choices about your connectivity solutions.