Zimbabwe’s quest for enhancing its digital landscape is poised for a significant leap forward, with the potential entry of satellite internet service Starlink, spearheaded by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. However, progress has been stymied by the absence of a formal application from Starlink, despite their expression of interest to the Postal and Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz). The country’s Minister of ICT, Honorable Mavetera, has reiterated the government’s keen stance on welcoming new technologies that promise to bolster connectivity within the nation.

The minister has elaborately communicated the country’s strategy to embrace innovative solutions like low earth orbit satellite technologies, which are anticipated to revolutionize internet access especially in remote areas. This is part of a broader engagement agenda touted by the Zimbabwean government to augment its digital presence globally.

Here is the statement from the Minister:
On the issue of Starlink, Zimbabwe is open for business and one thing we need to understand and appreciate is we have got an engagement agenda that we have as a country.

And we have been very clear to say that we are very much willing to also adopt any new ways that will make sure that we enhance our digital footprint in this country.
And you’ll realise that the issue of connectivity is something that we are very much serious with as a ministry. And what are we then doing – satellite technologies, these are low orbit technologies that we also need to also adopt as a country.
I believe that we can appreciate that Africom is one which is already having that. And I think we have already started releasing satellite technologies. So, Starlink is just one.

But Starlink, the position on Starlink is that they communicated to Potraz that they are willing to want to engage the Zimbabwe government. But until today they have not even paid for their application fees.
And it is Potraz, their structure is that …., any company that is going to also trade or to also be having a telecoms licence, they also need to also make sure that they pay a certain figure that is there.
So, because of that Starlink has not been able to do that. They have said they want to but they have not been able to come back to Potraz. This is the latest that I have on Potraz.
But of course, we are also working flat out also to make sure we have got reliable connectivity and also affordable data also coming through to all the citizens of Zimbabwe.
We have got a social contract with the people of Zimbabwe and indeed it is quite important to make sure that we provide reliable services and also we also provide connectivity at it’s best and I believe that is what we are working towards.

FAQ:

Q: Why is Starlink’s expansion to Zimbabwe experiencing a delay?
A: There could be several reasons for the delay, including the country’s currency issue, application and license fees, and concerns about potential political risks.

Q: What is the currency issue in Zimbabwe?
A: Zimbabwe’s pseudo-currency, the ZW$, is not traded on international markets. Starlink would have to go through a challenging process to acquire USD if they decide to accept payments in the local currency.

Q: How much are the application and license fees in Zimbabwe?
A: The application fee for an ISP license is US$50, and the license fee for a 20-year period is also US$50,000. However, if Starlink is classified as a Fixed Telecom Network, the application fee would be much higher at $800, with a license fee of $100 million.

Q: Could the political situation in Zimbabwe be a factor?
A: Yes, the current political situation in Zimbabwe may also play a role. While the country itself is not under sanctions, certain individuals within the government are, which may make American companies cautious about potential legal complications.

Q: Is Starlink the only satellite internet provider being considered?
A: No, Starlink is just one option among several satellite internet providers. However, Starlink’s network of low-earth orbit satellites offers a unique level of performance and connectivity.