As Starlink’s imminent launch in Zimbabwe draws closer, we’ve uncovered new details about pricing from one of the newly approved local resellers. Frampol, the IT solutions company we recently revealed as an official Starlink reseller, has set their kit price at US$460, including VAT. The company is taking deposits of US$145 and will be charging US$180 per month for 1TB. This announcement has sparked considerable interest, especially when compared to the inflated prices of that third-party resellers have been charging. But is US$460 truly a fair price for Zimbabwean consumers? Let’s dive into the details.

Understanding Starlink’s Kit Options

To assess the fairness of Frampol’s pricing, we need to consider Starlink’s current hardware offerings:

1. Starlink Mini: The budget-friendly option, priced around US$199 in some African markets.
2. Standard Starlink Revision 3: Available since 2022, retailing for about US$350 in neighbouring Malawi.
3. Starlink Gen Revision 4: The latest model, currently limited in availability and priced at US$599 in the US.

Given the pricing and availability, we strongly suspect Frampol will be offering the Revision 3 kit. This model strikes a balance between affordability and performance, making it a logical choice for the Zimbabwean market.

The Challenges of Importing from the US

Starlink reserves the best and latest kits for the United States and we have heard of some importing or considering importing the latest kits from the U.S to Zimbabwe. While tempting, this approach comes with significant drawbacks:

1. Higher costs: US kits are often more expensive, negating potential savings.
2. Logistical hurdles: Transporting from the US is far more complex than acquiring from neighbouring African countries.
3. Subscription fees: US-based plans can cost over US$120 per month, with roaming fees pushing it to US$200 – rivalling local fibre options.
4. Regional restrictions: Zimbabwe is considered a different region, incurring additional roaming charges.
5. Activation fees: Starlink now charges up to US$200 to activate out-of-region hardware.

For more details on these challenges, you can refer to our previous article on Starlink’s imminent arrival in Zimbabwe.

Assessing Frampol’s Pricing

Considering these factors, Frampol’s US$460 price tag appears quite reasonable. Here’s why:

1. Competitive pricing: It’s significantly lower than what third-party resellers have been charging. You should remember though that third party resellers were activating the dish for you so their prices included the cost of this service.
2. VAT inclusion: The 15% VAT is already factored into the price.
3. Minimal markup: Given the costs involved in importing and distributing, Frampol’s margin seems modest.
4. Official channel: Buying from an approved reseller ensures proper support and warranty coverage.

While we don’t have exact details on Frampol’s sourcing, if they’re acquiring kits directly from Starlink, the price seems fair and competitive within the Zimbabwean market. As for the monthly pricing of US$180 per month for 1TB, it is important to understand that Frampol is not targeting home customers. This is a business solution. In Botswana the priority 1TB package is going for US$102. So we can definately say this is not a fair price as it is double. A lot of people have been afraid of this. That is why they want direct access to Starlink and not through a reseller. Resellers tend to add a markup.

Future Possibilities and Power Solutions

We’re optimistic that the introduction of the Starlink Mini could further reduce hardware costs for Zimbabwean consumers. The Starlink Mini, has not, as far as we know, yet made its debut. When it comes it is sure to be an instant hit given its lower price. Its lower power consumption will be an added bonus especially given our ongoing power challenges.

Speaking of power, we’ll soon be featuring an interview with a local company that has been innovating with Starlink hardware. They’ve developed solutions to dramatically reduce power consumption, allowing for extended operation on 12V batteries – a potential game-changer during our frequent 20-hour power cuts.

For more insights on Starlink’s distribution in Zimbabwe, check out our exclusive report on Frampol’s approval as a reseller.

Conclusion

While US$460 may still seem steep to some, it represents a fair price point for official Starlink hardware in Zimbabwe, especially when compared to inflated reseller prices and the pitfalls of importing from abroad. As Starlink’s launch approaches, we’ll continue to monitor pricing and availability, ensuring you have the latest information to make an informed decision about this groundbreaking internet solution.

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