In a surprising turn of events, the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) has finally issued an official statement acknowledging the licensing of Starlink to operate in Zimbabwe. This announcement comes after months of uncertainty and conflicting messages from the regulatory body. For Zimbabweans eager to access high-speed satellite internet, this news is both exciting and urgent – as there are indications that Starlink kits may soon be in short supply.

POTRAZ’s Belated Acknowledgement

On 11 September 2024, POTRAZ released the following statement:

“The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) wishes to advise the public that Starlink has been licensed to provide satellite broadband connectivity in Zimbabwe. The Authority further advises that there are no regulatory restrictions prohibiting the importation of Starlink kits into Zimbabwe.”

This terse acknowledgement stands in stark contrast to POTRAZ’s previous statements, which seemed to deny or downplay Starlink’s impending entry into the Zimbabwean market. As we reported earlier, there were indications that higher powers had already given their blessing to Starlink’s operations, leaving POTRAZ to essentially rubber-stamp the approval.

The Road to Starlink’s Zimbabwe Launch

The journey to Starlink’s official launch in Zimbabwe on 6 September 2024 has been fraught with complications. As we detailed in our previous article, “No more middlemen, Starlink is US$30 per month in Zimbabwe”, there were numerous hurdles to overcome:

Initial resistance from some government officials who viewed Starlink as a potential security threat.
Confusion surrounding the licensing process, with POTRAZ issuing statements implying Starlink hadn’t even applied for a licence.
The granting of a sole distribution licence to IMC, a company that appeared to exist only on paper, earlier in the year.

However, several factors ultimately tipped the scales in favour of Starlink’s approval:

Successful launches in neighbouring countries like Mozambique, Zambia, and Malawi, which demonstrated the benefits without negative consequences.
Zimbabwean government officials and citizens purchasing Starlink kits abroad and using them on roaming, experiencing the service’s quality firsthand.
Growing public demand for improved internet access across the country.

For a more detailed analysis of Starlink’s potential impact and affordability in Zimbabwe, please refer to our article “Starlink in Zimbabwe: How Many Can Afford It?”.

Act Now: Starlink Kits May Be Running Out

With POTRAZ’s official acknowledgement, any lingering doubts about Starlink’s legality in Zimbabwe have been put to rest. However, this also means that demand for Starlink kits is likely to surge. There are already indications that supply may be limited:

Global demand: Starlink operates in numerous countries, and production capacity for new kits is constrained.
Latest technology: Zimbabwe is receiving the most up-to-date Starlink kits, which may be in shorter supply than older models.
High initial interest: Many Zimbabweans have been eagerly awaiting Starlink’s arrival and are likely to place orders quickly.

As we reported in our recent article “Breaking news: Starlink is no longer taking new orders for the Mini in Zimbabwe”, the popular Mini Package is already unavailable for new orders. This suggests that demand is outpacing supply, and the Standard Package may soon face similar constraints.

How to Order and Activate Your Starlink Service

For those interested in securing a Starlink kit, here’s a quick guide to ordering and activation:

Ordering:

Visit starlink.com/orders
Enter your service address
Choose the Standard Package (as the Mini Package is currently unavailable)
Provide contact and payment details
Complete your order

For detailed payment instructions, including how to use EcoCash, please see our comprehensive guide “Starlink in Zimbabwe: Your Questions Answered”.

Activation:

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

Starlink Packages and Pricing

Currently, only the Standard Package is available for new orders in Zimbabwe:

Monthly cost: US$50
Hardware cost: US$350
Speeds up to 200 Mbps
Unlimited data
One-time shipping fee of US$23

This direct pricing from Starlink is significantly lower than earlier quotes from resellers, making it more accessible to Zimbabwean consumers.

Conclusion: A New Era for Internet in Zimbabwe

POTRAZ’s official acknowledgement of Starlink’s licensing puts to rest any lingering doubts about the service’s legality in Zimbabwe. With this hurdle cleared, Zimbabweans now have access to a powerful new option for high-speed internet access, particularly in underserved rural areas.

In the Southern African region, only South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini remain without active Starlink service. While Lesotho and Eswatini have anticipated launch dates, South Africa’s situation remains uncertain due to government requirements for Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) compliance.

For Zimbabweans considering Starlink, the message is clear: act quickly to secure your kit. With global demand high and production capacity limited, there’s no guarantee how long stock will remain available. Starlink’s entry into the Zimbabwean market represents a significant opportunity for improved connectivity across the country, potentially transforming work, education, and economic development opportunities for many citizens.

As we continue to monitor this developing situation, we’ll provide updates on any changes or new information regarding Starlink availability in Zimbabwe. In the meantime, for those interested in and able to afford Starlink services, swift action is advised to avoid disappointment.

For more information on Starlink’s impact in Zimbabwe, check out our articles on “The Starlink Effect: How Zimbabwe’s Newest Internet Service is Spawning a Thriving Business Ecosystem” and “SmartBiz vs Starlink: Which is the Better Internet Option for Zimbabwe?”.