The internet industry in Zimbabwe has just taken the next step forward through the now approved and licenced operation of Starlink services in the country. With Starlink in the play you can now get a fast and reliable internet connection from anywhere even at your grandmother's place in Chivhu.
Starlink, a satellite internet constellation project by SpaceX, has gained significant attention worldwide for its promise of providing high-speed and reliable internet access in remote and underserved areas. Before you start planning on buying Starlink Internet here are 10 things you should definitely know:
Starlink is a satellite Internet service provided by SpaceX, aiming to deliver high-speed, low-latency broadband globally. Despite its global presence, Starlink faces regulatory challenges in Zimbabwe due to the absence of proper licensing.
The go ahead to buy starlink has been given by Zimbabwe's telecom regulator POTRAZ. A firm statement also came from the President himself saying that Starlink will have a role in the countries vision for 2030.
Buying the starlink kit in Zimbabwe will cost you around $600 to $700 depending on your supplier. As for the installation it might cost anywhere between $70 to $200.
The Starlink kit installation process is designed to be straightforward and user-friendly. Here's a brief overview of the steps involved:
The process is designed to be quick, typically taking about 30 minutes to complete, with minimal technical expertise required.
While Starlink is known for providing high-speed, low-latency Internet services globally, the actual speed in Zimbabwe would depend on various factors, including local infrastructure, satellite coverage, and user demand. With limited usage data what is known for now is the pricing for different speeds which are as follows:
Plan | Speed | Monthly Cost (USD) |
---|---|---|
Starlink Standard | 20 - 100mb/s | $50 - $120 |
Starlink Mobile | 5 - 50mb/s | $150 - $250 |
Starlink Priority | 40 - 220mb/s | $140 - $500 |
Option A: You can buy directly from the Starlink Website using your VISA Card or Mastercard. Mind you this might be more expensive in terms of shipping costs. It might also take a while for the kit to arrive at your door step.
Option B: You can buy the Starlink kit from local retailors in Zimbabwe which are now publicly avialable since the recent licensing of Starlink usage in the country. At the moment I do not have any recommendations for local retailers but all I can say is becareful who you buy from if not directly from Starlink.
Using Starlink, while offering many benefits, also comes with a few disadvantages. Here are some of the key drawbacks:
While Starlink offers a promising solution for high-speed internet in remote and underserved areas, there are some disadvantages which raise the need to consider all factors before making a decision. Overally I think authorizing the use of Starlink in Zimbabwe was a good decision for the country economically as well as for its citizens. For those who decide to go ahead and buy the kit be sure to share your experience with others.