In an exciting and somewhat unexpected development, TelOne, one of Zimbabwe’s largest and most established telecommunications operators, has officially announced its partnership as an authorised reseller of Starlink services. This marks a significant shift in the local internet service landscape, as TelOne becomes one of the key players in delivering high-speed, low-latency satellite internet to even the most remote parts of Zimbabwe.

TelOne’s Role in the Starlink Ecosystem

The announcement from TelOne comes as a surprise because, unlike other authorised Starlink resellers like Aura and Frampol, TelOne is a full-fledged telecommunications operator. This sets it apart from the other partners we have seen so far. TelOne’s role as a Starlink reseller provides an interesting dynamic, given that it is not just a logistics company or a tech firm but a state-owned enterprise with a long history of providing voice and broadband services across the country.

In a statement shared by TelOne (as seen in the attached image), the company noted:

“This exciting development expands our range of services that enable us to better serve you with modern and efficient connectivity solutions. The Starlink satellite internet solution is designed to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet access including to the most remote parts of the country.”

This is indeed a major development for Zimbabwe’s connectivity ecosystem, especially as Starlink’s satellite technology promises to overcome the infrastructure challenges that have long plagued the country’s broadband expansion. TelOne has been a key player in the provision of connectivity services for decades, and now, by adding Starlink’s cutting-edge technology to its offerings, the company is set to expand its reach even further.

A Competitive Advantage?

As mentioned earlier, TelOne’s inclusion as a Starlink reseller is unusual because of its status as a state-backed operator. However, this may give it a competitive edge over other local resellers. TelOne’s deep understanding of Zimbabwe’s regulatory landscape, its existing infrastructure, and its established customer base position it well to succeed in the role of a Starlink reseller.

This move comes after we previously reported on local companies like Aura and Frampol, which were among the first to receive approval as Starlink resellers. Unlike TelOne, these companies are primarily focused on the enterprise market, targeting businesses that require robust, always-on internet solutions.

In contrast, TelOne’s established presence in the residential market gives it a broader reach. With Starlink, TelOne can now provide internet services to rural areas that were previously underserved or entirely unconnected. The high-speed, low-latency internet offered by Starlink can be a game changer for these communities, opening up opportunities for education, telemedicine, and e-commerce.

The Growing List of Starlink Resellers

TelOne joins a growing list of companies that have been authorised to resell Starlink services in Zimbabwe. Each reseller is bringing something different to the table, with offerings tailored to different market segments.

For instance, Aura, another authorised reseller, has emphasised its focus on enterprise clients. The company’s co-founder, Samuelle Dimairho, has spoken about offering tailored packages to businesses that require network precedence and fast, reliable connections. Aura has already begun accepting orders and will host an official launch event on the 24th of September 2024 to mark the beginning of their Starlink sales .

Similarly, Frampol, a well-established ICT solutions provider, has taken a proactive approach by inviting its business clients to reserve their Starlink kits. Their package includes installation options, priority customer support, and simplified billing, making it clear that they are also targeting the business sector .

The entry of TelOne into this mix adds an extra layer of competition. As a major telecommunications player, TelOne has the capacity to offer Starlink to both residential and business customers. Its experience with billing, customer service, and infrastructure deployment could prove valuable as Starlink becomes more widely available across Zimbabwe.

What This Means for Zimbabwe’s Internet Connectivity

Starlink’s arrival in Zimbabwe has been a long-anticipated event. The country’s internet infrastructure has struggled to keep up with demand, particularly in rural areas where terrestrial networks are costly to deploy and maintain. Satellite technology, however, can leapfrog these challenges, providing high-speed internet to places where laying fibre or setting up mobile towers would be difficult or uneconomical.

TelOne’s appointment as a Starlink reseller is a logical step in this journey, as it brings a trusted, local name into the Starlink distribution network. It also represents a shift in how Zimbabwean ISPs are approaching connectivity solutions. Previously, most of the focus was on terrestrial technologies like fibre and mobile broadband. VSAT, the current technology used in these areas is probihibitively expensive. However, with the launch of Starlink, satellite internet is now becoming a mainstream option.

The government’s previous hesitation in licencing Starlink, which some viewed as a security concern, has now been replaced by a more forward-looking approach. POTRAZ has approved Starlink’s operations, and even government officials are now publicly supporting the initiative, emphasising its potential to bridge the digital divide in the country.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Starlink, and how does it work?

Starlink is a satellite internet service developed by SpaceX. It uses a network of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide high-speed internet access to remote and underserved areas. Unlike traditional satellite internet, which uses geostationary satellites, Starlink’s LEO satellites are much closer to Earth, reducing latency and increasing speed.

2. Who can buy Starlink in Zimbabwe?

Both residential and business customers can purchase Starlink in Zimbabwe. Several companies, including TelOne, Aura, and Frampol, have been authorised as resellers, making it easy for customers to access the service.

3. Do I need to buy Starlink through a reseller?

For residential customers, there is no need to go through a reseller. You can order Starlink directly from the Starlink website. However, for business customers, resellers like TelOne and Aura offer value-added services such as priority support, network integration, and flexible payment options.

4. How much does Starlink cost?

Pricing for Starlink varies depending on the reseller and the package you choose. Generally, the cost includes the hardware (satellite dish and router) and a monthly subscription fee. Resellers may offer additional services like installation and technical support for an extra fee.

5. What is the benefit of choosing TelOne as a Starlink reseller?

TelOne’s long-standing experience in the Zimbabwean telecommunications market makes it a reliable choice for customers. The company offers local support, billing in local currency, and has an established infrastructure that complements Starlink’s satellite technology.

Conclusion

TelOne’s appointment as an authorised Starlink reseller is a significant development for Zimbabwe’s internet connectivity landscape. By partnering with Starlink, TelOne is well-positioned to extend high-speed, reliable internet to underserved regions across the country. As competition among resellers heats up, customers stand to benefit from a wider range of choices and improved service offerings.

For more information on Starlink’s entry into Zimbabwe and the other resellers involved, check out our previous articles:

• Aura Becomes Official Starlink Reseller
• Frampol Approved as Starlink Reseller

We will continue to provide updates as more developments unfold in this space.

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