then 'Add to home screen'
then 'Add to home screen'
Zimbabwe’s internet landscape has experienced a significant shift with the introduction of Starlink, a satellite internet service developed by SpaceX. Designed to provide high-speed, low-latency internet to remote and underserved areas, Starlink’s arrival in Zimbabwe could have a profound impact. This article explores how Starlink works, its pricing, local competition (including traditional ISPs and mobile network operators), and how it fits into Zimbabwe’s current internet market.
Table of Contents:
- Starlink Licensing and Operation in Zimbabwe
- How Starlink Works
- Internet Connectivity Rates in Zimbabwe
- Starlink Pricing and Installation Costs
- Comparison with Local Internet Providers
- A. Fiber Providers: Liquid Home, TelOne, Dandemutande
- B. Mobile Network Operators: Econet, NetOne, Telecel
- Installation Process and Guidelines
- Starlink Approved Resellers
- Advantages and Challenges of Starlink
- Conclusion
1. Starlink Licensing and Operation in Zimbabwe
Starlink was granted two key licenses from POTRAZ in September 2024: a Telecommunication License for Network Services and an ISP National License. These allow Starlink to operate legally across Zimbabwe, targeting underserved areas with its satellite-based internet services. The government has welcomed this development, emphasizing the potential to bridge the digital divide, especially in rural communities.
2. How Starlink Works
Starlink uses a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to deliver high-speed internet to remote and underserved areas. It promises faster speeds and lower latency than traditional satellite internet, making it an attractive option for areas with poor infrastructure.
- Latency: 20-40 milliseconds.
- Speeds: Between 100 to 200 Mbps depending on the service plan.
3. Internet Connectivity Rates in Zimbabwe
As of 2024, Zimbabwe has an internet penetration rate of approximately 62%, with urban areas like Harare and Bulawayo enjoying relatively better connectivity through fiber and mobile networks. However, rural areas remain largely underserved due to the high costs of laying fiber infrastructure. Most internet users in the country rely on mobile data, which is expensive and inconsistent.
4. Starlink Pricing and Installation Costs
Starlink’s pricing in Zimbabwe is competitive for those in rural and underserved areas, and even more affordable than local providers in urban centers.
- Starlink Standard Plan: USD 50 per month for high-speed internet with unlimited data.
- Starlink Mini Plan: USD 30 per month for lower-tier service.
- Equipment Cost: USD 350 for Standard or USD 200 for Mini.
- Shipping Cost: USD 23-100 depending on your location in Zimbabwe(
These prices make Starlink more accessible than some earlier speculations but are still a premium compared to local ISPs.
5. Comparison with Local Internet Providers
A. Fiber Providers:
- Liquid Home (Liquid Telecom):
- Cost: from USD 5 for 3.5GB to USD99 for 250GB (Wibronix packages)to USD43 for 100GB and USD75 for 150GB (Fibronix packages) per month.
- Speeds: 10 Mbps to 150 Mbps.
- Coverage: Primarily in urban centers like Harare and Bulawayo.
- TelOne:
- Cost: USD 25 to 200 per month.
- Speeds: 5 Mbps to 50 Mbps, available through fiber and ADSL.
- Dandemutande (Utande):
- Cost: USD 60 to 200 per month.
- Primarily serves business customers in major urban centers.
B. Mobile Network Operators (MNOs):
- Econet Wireless:
- 4G LTE and some 5G coverage.
- Cost: USD 5 to 50 for 2GB to 25GB of data.
- NetOne:
- Offers similar packages to Econet but with less extensive coverage.
- Telecel:
- Smallest MNO, with more limited coverage.
While mobile data is often more affordable, it is subject to poor performance, especially in areas with limited coverage(
6. Installation Process and Guidelines
Setting up Starlink in Zimbabwe is simple and user-friendly:
- Purchase Kit: Once ordered, the kit (which includes the satellite dish, router, and cables) is delivered.
- Self-Installation: The dish needs a clear view of the sky. Most users place it on rooftops or in open spaces to avoid obstructions.
- Connection: Using the Starlink app, users can align the dish and activate the service. The app also helps in monitoring connection performance.
7. Starlink Approved Resellers
POTRAZ has approved several companies as official Starlink resellers in Zimbabwe. These resellers provide not only the hardware but also additional services like installation and troubleshooting:
8. Advantages and Challenges of Starlink
Advantages:
- Wide Coverage: Reaches areas where mobile and fiber networks are limited.
- High Speeds: Comparable to fiber, making it ideal for businesses and high-demand users.
- Unlimited Data: A key selling point compared to data-capped mobile plans.
Challenges:
- High Initial Cost: The upfront price for equipment and installation is higher than local ISPs.
- Power Supply: Zimbabwe’s frequent power outages may affect reliability unless paired with backup systems like solar power.
Conclusion
Starlink’s entry into Zimbabwe is poised to revolutionize the country’s internet landscape, particularly in rural areas. While its pricing may still be steep for the average household, the potential for high-speed, reliable internet makes it a valuable option, especially for businesses and underserved regions. As more local resellers are approved and competition increases, the price may come down, offering wider access to Zimbabwe’s growing digital population.
