Key Highlights
- Starlink secures regulatory approval in Zimbabwe
- IMC Communications becomes the sole and exclusive local partner
According to the President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, he has authorised the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) approval of SpaceX’s Starlink GH LTD, the operator of Starlink Satellite Broadband, to provide satellite broadband services in Zimbabwe, in collaboration with IMC Communications (Pvt) Ltd.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa stated that the decision “is expected to result in the deployment of high-speed, low-cost, LEO (low-Earth-orbit) internet infrastructure throughout Zimbabwe and particularly in all the rural areas”. “I am 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 of Starlink.”
A month ago, the satellite broadband operator suspended its internet services in Zimbabwe. This action followed its designation as an unauthorised operator. Users in the southern country were directed by POTRAZ to pause service and billing activities. In addition, the regulator advised Starlink to either collaborate with licensed Public Network Operators through a Virtual Network Operator (VNO) agreement, apply for a license to independently provide services, or have end users obtain private network licenses to use externally operated satellite systems.
With regulatory approval secured, Starlink can now offer its mobile subscription plan to customers nationwide, enabling end users to access connectivity even in the most remote areas. Price details have not yet been public. Moreso, investments of this magnitude and strategic significance are crucial for the country’s vision of transforming into a fully digitalised upper-middle-income economy by 2030. Such investments are expected to drive technological advancements, enhance connectivity, and foster economic growth, ultimately leading to improved living standards and increased global competitiveness.
Starlink is licensed in several other African countries (Benin, Eswatini, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe), highlighting the increasing demand for high-connectivity services across the region. However, not all African countries are readily adopting Starlink’s services. For example, in February 2024, Botswana denied approval for Starlink’s internet bid, scheduled for launch in Q4 2024, because the company failed to provide all the necessary information to the regulators. Also, Starlink has yet to secure a license in South Africa because it has not met the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa’s (Icasa) requirement that any applicant must have 30% ownership by historically disadvantaged groups.
However, in an African country like Tunisia, the Tunisian Ministry of Communication Technology partnered with Starlink to conduct a three-month pilot project for installing broadband satellite technology in specific regions. The trial period will allow Tunisia to assess the feasibility and benefits of implementing this technology in its communications infrastructure. Moreover, this collaboration will contribute to developing a regulatory framework to ensure the effective and responsible use of broadband satellite technology in Tunisia. This is crucial to successfully integrating this technology into the country’s communication systems.
As Starlink seeks approval in various African countries, it continues to face challenges related to affordability, regulatory compliance, and regional nuances.
Source: https://africanews.space/spacexs-starlink-licensed-in-zimbabwe/
