Zimbabwe’s Regulatory Clash with Starlink: A Struggle for Telecom Dominance
In a noteworthy development, the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), the esteemed telecom regulator of the nation, has sternly issued a warning of potential arrests of individuals and businesses involved in the distribution and promotion of Starlink Internet services’ equipment. As reported by the government-owned website H-Metro, this revelation signals an imminent nationwide crackdown to unearth all transgressors, including those who might have already installed the Starlink Internet network.
The sweeping raid, set to commence in the capital city, Harare, with law enforcement agencies, is poised to extend its reach across the country. The catalyst for this aggressive stance is the surge in advertising and distribution of Starlink Internet service kits by various entities, prominently on social media platforms like Facebook.
Compounding matters, Starlink has yet to secure a license from the telecom regulator, a fact that has not deterred many individuals and businesses from actively promoting and distributing the service. In response, POTRAZ, driven by this brazen non-compliance, has opted for a more assertive strategy to safeguard the integrity of its regulatory framework. A senior POTRAZ official disclosed that law enforcement had already apprehended two Vic Falls and Bulawayo violators, with their cases now pending hearings in Zimbabwean courts. Emphasising the gravity of the situation, the official iterated that selling or utilising Starlink services anywhere in Zimbabwe is expressly illegal. A nationwide raid is on the horizon, aimed at apprehending anyone or any business found contravening this regulatory embargo.
The official’s stern warning echoed the regulator’s stance, affirming that those advertising Starlink gadgets were not only endangering themselves but were also strongly advised to desist from selling and using the equipment. The prohibition of Starlink in Zimbabwe stems from the country’s stringent policies against unlicensed telecommunications, with POTRAZ insisting that Starlink must await official authorisation and adhere to established telecommunications processes before commencing operations. This caution is underlined by the regulator’s concern that premature operation might lead to frequency clashes with existing operators, potentially disrupting essential services.
The Zimbabwean scenario is common, as other African nations, including Ghana, have banned Starlink. In December 2023, Ghana’s telecom regulatory body, the National Communication Authority (NCA), declared Starlink’s sales, service, and use within its borders illegal. This points to a broader pattern of regulatory challenges Starlink faces across Africa.
Despite these hurdles, Starlink, SpaceX’s ambitious satellite Internet system, boasts coverage in over 60 countries and is actively operational in various African nations, such as Nigeria, Mozambique, Zambia, Kenya, and Malawi. Since its foray into launching satellites for Internet service in 2019, Starlink continues to expand its global footprint. Excitingly, the company has hinted at introducing a text-only mobile phone service later this year, with plans for future voice and data offerings in 2025.
In conclusion, the regulatory clash between POTRAZ and Starlink in Zimbabwe underscores the challenges faced by innovative telecom solutions. It reflects the broader dynamics in shaping the future of satellite-based Internet services in Africa. As the saga unfolds, stakeholders eagerly await the resolution of this standoff, aware of its implications for the telecommunications landscape in Zimbabwe and potentially beyond.
