Staff ReporterElon Musk’s satellite internet company, Starlink, has officially launched its services in Zimbabwe, marking a significant development in the country’s telecommunications landscape.
The company’s global availability map was updated on Friday night, confirming that the service is now live in Zimbabwe. Customers can purchase the service directly from Starlink’s website or through local authorised resellers.
Starlink offers two main options for Zimbabwean customers. The Standard Kit is priced at US $350, while the Starlink Mini Kit is available for US $200. Monthly subscription fees vary depending on the chosen package. The basic residential unlimited data package costs US $50 per month, whereas the Starlink mini package is priced at US $30 monthly.
Frampol has been announced as the first local authorised partner for Starlink in Zimbabwe. The company utilises a satellite system to provide internet connectivity. The service requires the installation of a dish, similar to satellite television setups, which needs a clear view of the sky to function optimally.
Subscriptions can be paid online using prepaid Visa or Mastercard debit cards, or through local authorised resellers. The service offers unlimited data, making it particularly attractive for families, small businesses, schools, mines, farms, and tourism destinations in remote areas where network coverage has traditionally been a challenge.
The arrival of Starlink has prompted established internet providers in Zimbabwe to revise their offerings. Econet, the largest mobile internet provider in the country, now offers an LTE unlimited data service for $45 a month. Other providers such as Utande, Liquid, TelOne, Powertel, and Telco have also introduced promotional packages in response to the new competition.
However, Starlink’s global satellite infrastructure gives it a competitive edge, particularly in remote areas where traditional network coverage has been challenging. In response to Starlink’s entry, some local providers are exploring their own satellite-powered internet services. Liquid and TelOne have announced plans to develop similar offerings in the future.
The launch of Starlink in Zimbabwe follows closely on the heels of its recent introduction in neighbouring Botswana, signalling a rapid expansion of the service across southern Africa. This development is expected to significantly impact the internet landscape in Zimbabwe, potentially driving down prices and improving connectivity across the country.
