Zimbabwe has approved the licensing of satellite internet operating company Starlink. The move allows for the SpaceX company to operate in the country.
Zimbabwe will become the 10th African country to approve the operation of Starlink.
Details
Starlink will provide services through its sole and exclusive local partner, IMC Communications.
What They’re Saying
The announcement was made by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Saturday.
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,” Mnangagwa said in a statement.
Posts and Telecommunication and Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe director general, Dr Gift Machengete, said satellite services would go a long way in enhancing internet service provision.
“With regard to Starlink, they have indicated in their application that they will roll out service in the third quarter of the year. That is what they have said. In their application they will provide backhauling connectivity and they can also enter into commercial arrangements with local players.”
By The Numbers
A World Bank report in 2021 said only 34.8% of Zimbabwe’s population had access to the internet.
The country’s internet service is dominated by three major mobile network operators.
With Zimbabwe, Starlink will now be available in multiple African countries including Nigeria, Rwanda, Mozambique, Zambia, and Kenya.
Catch up on news and other tidbits on our WhatsApp Community Page, Twitter/X, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to ensure you don’t miss out on any news.
