Starlink users in Zimbabwe are facing disconnection from the SpaceX-operated broadband service at the end of April 2024. Starlink has sent an email to its users in Zimbabwe, notifying them that they will only be able to access the service in officially launched areas from the specified date.
Starlink had previously been directed to disable coverage in the country and as well as the Democratic Republic of Congo following requests from the country’s communications regulators. Read the article about the previous regulatory request in Zimbabwe, here.
Starlink stated that users who have been utilizing its roaming plan for more than two months outside their home country must either change their account country or return to their home country; otherwise, their service will be restricted. Starlink had previously announced that users with a roaming subscription must access the service in their registered country every two months to keep it active, but it seems that this rule had not been enforced for over a year.
The company emphasized that its regional and global roaming plans were intended for temporary travel purposes, not for permanent use in locations outside officially designated areas.
Some Zimbabwean Starlink users speculated on social media about finding ways to transport their kits to neighbouring countries where Starlink is officially supported, like Zambia, Eswatini and Mozambique, for the required two-month check-in. However, based on Starlink's email, it appears that access to roaming plans would not be allowed in countries where Starlink is not officially available. Therefore, users who attempted to check-in, in an officially supported country might find that the service does not work upon their return.
The email also highlighted that using a Starlink kit in areas not designated as 'Available' on the Starlink Availability Map would violate the Starlink Terms. Starting from April 30, 2024, users would only be able to connect to the Internet to access their Starlink account for account updates, with no internet access available in areas not designated as 'Available' on the map.
Starlink assured its roaming users that it is working to obtain regulatory approvals from local governments worldwide to offer services in as many places as possible. The company urged users to check the Starlink Availability Map for updates on service availability.
Starlink prioritizes countries where regulatory approvals are more attainable.
