The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) has announced that Starlink, the global satellite internet provider owned by Elon Musk, has submitted an application to operate in the country. Potraz director-general Dr Gift Machengete made the revelation during a question and answer session at a business function organized by the Ministry of Information Communication Technology (ICTs), Postal and Courier Services on the sidelines of the ongoing 64th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF).
Starlink's exponential consumer growth and worldwide popularity have sparked concerns within Zimbabwe's ICT sector, prompting questions about its operations. Dr Machengete addressed these concerns, affirming that Potraz is actively processing Starlink's application.
He explained that the reason Starlink is not currently operating in Zimbabwe is because the company had not previously applied for authorization. Dr Machengete emphasized that as a regulator, Potraz must examine how to regulate Starlink's services and ensure consumer and data protection. Currently, the authority is focused on reviewing Starlink's application.
Dr Machengete acknowledged the existence of unauthorized Starlink users in the country who have since been disconnected. He clarified that Potraz has not banned Starlink but took action against illegal users, requesting them to switch off their terminals. These users will have the opportunity to regularize their status once they are properly licensed.
Highlighting Potraz's role in the telecommunications sector, Dr Machengete emphasized the authority's commitment to following the appropriate channels to ensure services meet established standards. Potraz operates under a licensing framework that is technology-neutral, evaluating the relevance of the technology being introduced. The country already has licensed geo-stationary satellites, and Dr Machengete stated that Starlink would not be blocked based on this technology-neutral approach.
Starlink, a satellite internet constellation operated by Starlink Services, LLC, a subsidiary of SpaceX, aims to provide global mobile broadband coverage. Since its satellite launches began in 2019, the network has grown to include over 6,000 mass-produced small satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) communicating with ground transceivers. SpaceX plans to deploy nearly 12,000 satellites, with a possible future extension to 34,400. The company has achieved significant subscriber milestones, surpassing one million subscribers in December 2022, 1.5 million subscribers in May 2023, and two million subscribers in September 2023.
