Faith Nyasuguta
The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) has granted Elon Musk’s Starlink the license to operate in the southern African country.
To operate in the southern African country, the regulator proposed two options: the company can either apply directly for a license or collaborate with a registered public network within the country to offer its services.
Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced this decision on X, highlighting that it will enable the deployment of high-speed, low-cost, low Earth orbit (LEO) Internet infrastructure across Zimbabwe, particularly benefiting rural areas. Starlink will partner exclusively with IMC Communications in Zimbabwe.
This approval follows the arrest of Neville Mutsvangwa, the son of Zanu PF’s spokesperson, who was charged with illegally possessing a Starlink terminal and violating the Postal and Telecommunications Act.
Since January 2024, the use of Starlink had been illegal in Zimbabwe, with POTRAZ threatening arrests for distributing and advertising the devices. Despite the ban, Zimbabweans continued to find ways to use Starlink. In April 2024, following a regulator directive, Starlink warned its Zimbabwean users that it would disable its roaming service.
Starlink’s expansion in Africa includes operations in Benin, Nigeria, Rwanda, Malawi, Kenya, Mozambique, and Zambia. With the new license in Zimbabwe, SpaceX’s satellite Internet service is furthering its presence on the continent.
Earlier this month, Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi met with Starlink executives interested in obtaining an operational license in Botswana, though Starlink remains unlicensed in Botswana, South Africa, and Cameroon.
In late April, Cameroonian authorities banned the import of Starlink satellite Internet kits and began seizing equipment at the border. Conversely, at the beginning of April, Ghana’s National Communications Authority (NCA) approved Starlink’s application to offer satellite broadband services in Ghana.
Despite these advances, South Africa poses a significant challenge for Starlink. In February 2024, Starlink cut off hundreds of South African users over alleged trademark and copyright violations.
In November 2023, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) had cautioned against importing and selling Starlink satellite Internet terminals, labeling the practice illegal and threatening fines.
Zimbabwe calls for more investment by foreign conglomerates , emphasizing that the country is an investment destination of choice.
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