Zimbabwe’s Telecoms Shake-up, Starlink Forces Operators To Improve Service, Slash Costs

By Shingirai Vambe

Harare, Zimbabwe – In a groundbreaking development, Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart has offered Elon Musk’s Starlink a lucrative deal: land in exchange for cash to establish a ground station in Zimbabwe. This strategic move follows Starlink’s successful launch in Nigeria and is expected to transform Zimbabwe’s telecoms landscape.

With over 12 million mobile subscribers and a 43% internet penetration rate, Zimbabwe is ripe for improved connectivity. Currently, Zimbabwe’s mobile operators – Econet Wireless, NetOne, and Telecel Zimbabwe – charge relatively high rates. Voice calls average $0.6.42 per minute, data bundles cost $1.81 per 1GB, and SMS messages are priced at $0.1.65 each.

However, Starlink’s entry is expected to disrupt the status quo. According to users in the tech-sector, Zimbabwe has significant unused bandwidth, with only 36% utilized for downloads and less than 10% for uploads. “A closer ground station in the SADC region will reduce latency and attract investment opportunities,” explained.

Mayor Coltart believes the arrival of Starlink will revolutionize Zimbabwe’s telecoms sector. “Faster internet speeds, reduced latency, and increased competition will drive economic growth and job creation,” he declared. Citizens anticipate improved internet connectivity, increased competition, and economic growth.

Local tech entrepreneur Tinashe Moyo welcomed the development. “This is a game-changer for Zimbabwe’s economy. With affordable and reliable internet, we can compete globally.” Digital inclusion added Moyo, “The arrival of Starlink will bridge the digital divide between urban and rural areas.”

As Zimbabwe prepares for the Starlink revolution, experts predict significant growth. The country’s telecoms sector is on the cusp of transformation.

According to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT), the telecoms sector contributes significantly to the country’s GDP. With Starlink’s presence, this contribution is expected to increase.

The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) has also expressed support for the initiative. “We will work closely with Starlink to ensure seamless integration and optimal benefits for Zimbabweans,” reads the statement.

However, POTRAZ has so far allowed Telone and Aura to sell Starlink in Zimbabwe. Brian Sedze in his own capacity wrote, “the best way to win is to attack not defend. Econet had years of knowing Starlink strategic intentions, After Starlink got into its territory just a few weeks past now everyday its special deals, promotions, new packages, price reductions and better speeds”.

Defending is strategic incompetence.

Earlier, the regulator issued a statement that operators who fail to provide sufficient and efficient services will be handsomely fined for disfranchising citizens and or their customers.

As the country looks to the future, one thing is clear: the arrival of Starlink has ignited a new era of possibility for Zimbabwe’s telecoms sector.