In a move that promises to transform Zimbabwe's information and communication technology (ICT) sector, the global satellite-based internet service provider Starlink is gearing up to introduce its services in the country during the third quarter of 2023. This development marks a pivotal moment as Zimbabwe prepares to join the ranks of a select group of African nations that have gained access to high-speed, cost-effective broadband internet powered by satellite technology.
The government's recent approval of Starlink's licensing, announced over the weekend, underscores the Second Republic's steadfast commitment to achieving its ambitious goal of becoming a fully digitized, upper-middle-income economy by 2030. This strategic decision reflects the administration's unwavering determination to ensure that no individual or region in Zimbabwe is left behind in the ongoing digital revolution.
According to Dr. Gift Machengete, the Director General of the Posts and Telecommunication Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), Starlink has indicated its intention to commence operations in the third quarter of the year. The regulatory body is currently collaborating with the satellite internet provider to finalize the necessary licensing requirements.
Dr. Machengete highlighted the numerous advantages that satellite-based telecommunication service providers like Starlink can offer. "Satellite service providers deliver high-speed internet services. They will be able to reach areas that have previously lacked access, such as rural locations where fiber optic infrastructure is scarce," he explained.
In a separate interview, Dr. Tatenda Mavetera, the Minister of Information, Communication and Technology, Postal and Courier Services, delved deeper into the technical and economic benefits that Starlink's entry will bring to Zimbabwe. She noted that the satellite-based backhaul connectivity can provide more affordable access, particularly in remote regions that have historically been challenging to serve using traditional infrastructure.
Furthermore, Minister Mavetera emphasized the anticipated surge in e-commerce activities across various sectors, including business-to-customer, government-to-citizen, business-to-business, and government-to-business transactions. This, in turn, is expected to drive economic growth and increase tax revenue for the government, ultimately leading to enhanced public service delivery.
With Starlink's impending launch, Zimbabwe is poised to bridge the digital divide, ensuring equitable access to high-speed internet and unlocking new avenues for economic and social developments across the country.
