Starlink, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite operator wholly owned by global conglomerate Space X, has finally been licensed to legally operate in Zimbabwe. The company led by multi-billionaire Elon Musk will be working with IMC Communications (Pvt) Ltd in a sole and exclusive deal.
“I’m pleased to announce that I have approved the licensing of Starlink by POTRAZ to provide advanced internet and related digital processing services in Zimbabwe through its sole and exclusive local partner, IMC Communications (Pvt) Ltd. Starlink, “ said Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe.
This comes just a month after Starlink had shut down its services in the Southern African country. At the time, the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), the nation’s telecom regulator, issued the directive to Starlink. Zimbabwe was an “unauthorised territory” for SpaceX’s satellite Internet service but had illegal users using its roaming services. Users would smuggle kits from neighbouring Zambia, where the satellite company is licensed.
POTRAZ asked the company to either apply directly for a license or work alongside a Zimbabwean registered public network company. IMC Communications will be the sole authorized distributor of Starlink hardware kits in Zimbabwe. Armed with regulatory approval, Starlink can now offer customers in the country the mobile subscription plan which is usually cheaper than roaming.
Price details have not been made public yet. In recent months, the internet service provider has been raising rates in its various markets. For Kenya, Starlink roaming clients have been hit with the doubling of monthly rates.
