Zimbabwe Approves Starlink Internet Service

Zimbabwe approves Starlink in a bid that is likely to democratise internet connectivity in the country. The government has cleared the way for licensing of Elon Musk’s Starlink. President Emmerson Mnangagwa said on Saturday that the internet service of SpaceX, a provider of satellite internet service, is now legal in Zimbabwe.

This strategic decision propounds the establishment of quick, affordable LEO Internet structures in Zimbabwe with special emphasis on the rural population. “I encourage more investment by foreign conglomerates in Zimbabwe, as we are an investment destination of choice,” he added.

Starlink will provide its services via its unique local affiliate firm, IMC Communications. This development comes as a crucial step for a country where, according to the data of the World Bank’s report of 2021, the literacy rate of 74% still remains low. Thus, only 8% of the population has an Internet connection. Presently, there are three main mobile telecommunication companies providing internet services within Zimbabwe.

The approval of Starlink’s services also comes after the government banned the use of smuggled Starlink kits from neighbouring countries such as Zambia by persons who had not registered to legally acquire the items.

Starlink is currently running in some African nations like Nigeria, Mozambique, Zambia, Kenya, and Malawi. However, not all countries have embraced the service in a similar way; last month Cameroon directed its port authorities to confiscate any Starlink equipment that arrived in the country without proper permit.