Social Media Buzzes As Starlink Submits Application to Operate in Zimbabwe

Anticipation and Doubts: Social Media Reacts to Starlink’s Application in Zimbabwe

In a significant development for Zimbabwe’s telecommunications sector, global satellite internet provider Starlink has reportedly submitted an application to operate in the country.

The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) has officially confirmed the submission.

Starlink Submits Application to Operate in Zimbabwe, POTRAZ Confirms

POTRAZ Director-General Gift Machengete confirmed Starlink’s application and shed light on the situation during a question and answer session at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF).

Social Media Reacts to Starlink's Application in Zimbabwe — Social Media Reacts to Starlink’s Application in Zimbabwe [Image Credit: Starlink]

According to the Herald, he acknowledged that Starlink had not been operating in Zimbabwe due to the absence of an official application.

Then, why is Starlink not operating right now? The simple answer is Starlink had not applied and we would be foolish to go then and say come and apply, please.” “Now they have come to apply and we are in the process of looking at their application.”

POTRAZ’s Regulatory Approach: Evaluating Starlink’s Application and Striving for Legal Compliance

Machengete elaborated on the regulatory process, emphasizing the need to evaluate how to regulate Starlink while ensuring consumer and data protection. He assured that POTRAZ is currently reviewing Starlink’s application.

Addressing the previous usage of Starlink terminals in Zimbabwe, Machengete confirmed that POTRAZ had instructed users to switch off their services as they were operating unlawfully.

He highlighted that the intention was not to ban Starlink but rather to regularize its operations through the licensing framework.

“So, in short, we have not banned them. What we have just done is that those who have been using Starlink terminals were asked to have Starlink switch them off because we cannot allow illegality. I think they have been switched off and maybe there is some outcry. But, you see those were illegal and they will be regularised when they are licenced.”

Also Read: Starlink To Shut Down Services In Zimbabwe on April 30, 2024

Social Media Buzz: Mixed Reactions Emerge as Starlink Submits Application in Zimbabwe

The move by Starlink to submit its application has ignited a wave of reactions on social media. While some have welcomed the development as a good move, another section has expressed concern that it is going to take long for the government to approve Starlink’s application. Netizens fear the licensing fees are going to be expensive.

Here are some of the reactions;

@Bonnie Ndlovu;

To our government this is a big achievement that can be celebrated.

@Ras TC;

We need this competition ma price adzike. Service will also improve. Ana zol vanombotijairira kani. u pay lots of money service yacho pasina.

@Thabani Kevin Mafukidze;

It will be charged exorbitant registration prices and taxes.
And starlink will become very expensive in Zimbabwe.
Wait and see! 😭

@Washington Chavelema;

And they won’t approve,they will say unrealistic conditions.just wait and see. We remember the DSTv and Econet sagas

@REWMO;

Good news. Right now my useless @TelOneZW had been down since morning.

@Kruger3031;

Approve it already and don’t make it more expensive than in Zambia. We wanna buy locally

@Prince Gora

Starlink just went on a fool’s errand here. They will NEVER be licensed because our self-righteous yet utterly corrupt “tycoon” thoroughly greased the necessary palms to ensure no such thing ever happens. Likely the application will be rejected on dubious “national security” grounds..

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