Launches in Zimbabwe, Promising Affordable High-Speed Internet and Sparking Competition Among Local Providers

The launch of Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, in Zimbabwe marks a significant milestone for the country’s internet landscape. With the service officially going live just before midnight on September 6, 2024, Zimbabweans now have access to high-speed, low-latency internet that promises to significantly improve internet accessibility and affordability in the region.

Pricing and Service Details:

Starlink offers two main packages in Zimbabwe: the standard kit priced at USD 350 with a monthly subscription of USD 50, and the Starlink Mini kit at USD 200 with a USD 30 monthly fee. The service provides unlimited data, making it a suitable option for families, businesses, schools, and other entities in remote areas with limited internet access. Payments can be made online via prepaid Visa or Mastercard debit cards, or through local authorized resellers like Frampol.

How Starlink Works:

Users will need to install a Starlink dish, similar to a DStv dish, which must have an unobstructed view of the sky to function effectively. This makes Starlink an ideal solution for areas where traditional network coverage is weak or unavailable. The service offers download speeds of up to 200 Mbps, a considerable upgrade compared to current local internet offerings.

Market Impact:

The arrival of Starlink has spurred competition among existing internet providers in Zimbabwe. Econet, the largest mobile internet provider in the country, has already launched an LTE unlimited data service for USD 45 per month, and other providers such as Utande, Liquid, TelOne, Powertel, and Telco have introduced promotional packages to retain their market share.

Delivery and Subscription Details:

To subscribe, customers can make a USD 50 deposit to reserve the service, with the remaining balance due upon order confirmation. Equipment will be delivered via a courier service, although the specific partner for local deliveries is yet to be announced. Starlink has noted that due to capacity constraints in some regions, delivery times may vary.

Broader Context:

This launch follows Starlink’s recent rollout in Botswana and represents part of SpaceX’s broader strategy to expand its satellite internet coverage across Africa. The introduction of Starlink in Zimbabwe is expected to provide a reliable internet option that could help bridge the digital divide in the country, offering more accessible and affordable internet solutions to a wider audience.

The launch has been well-received, as many Zimbabweans hope that Starlink’s competitive pricing and high-speed service will transform the country’s internet landscape, providing much-needed improvements in connectivity and digital access.