President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced on Saturday afternoon the approval for Starlink to operate in Zimbabwe, granting exclusive dealership rights to IMC Communications.
This decision followed mounting pressure from citizens dissatisfied with local service providers’ high costs and subpar performance.
American billionaire Elon Musk owns Starlink, renowned for delivering high-speed internet via satellite with unlimited data.
Its global acclaim as an affordable and efficient internet service provider has made it highly coveted worldwide.
Even before obtaining a license, Starlink’s demand surged in Zimbabwe, with many resorting to unauthorized roaming usage.
While the government of Zimbabwe appeared reluctant to allow Starlink into the country, reports of Starlink’s plans to introduce direct internet service to mobile phones excited many.
No government can fight and win the war against technology. Amid heightened pressure, Zimbabwean authorities acknowledged Starlink’s license application, which they said was under consideration.
Sudden Approval
Mnangagwa’s sudden approval of Starlink caught citizens off guard but stirred mixed feelings among the population.
Some were excited at the prospects of cheap, efficient, and reliable internet, while others frowned at Mnangagwa’s decision to award the deal to his ally Wicknell Chivhayo, who reportedly owns IMC Communications.
Despite controversies surrounding Chivhayo’s involvement, the coming of Starlink into the country promises significant benefits.
Primarily, it will address information disparities, particularly in rural areas where access to online educational resources has been limited.
By providing a cheaper, efficient, and reliable internet service, Starlink will help bridge the urban-rural digital divide by empowering rural and peri-urban schools.
The arrival of Starlink is poised to alleviate the financial strain on internet users, particularly small businesses and digital start-ups, who previously grappled with high costs.
Moreover, the increased competition is expected to prompt existing service providers to enhance their offerings while reducing prices, ultimately benefiting consumers.
Furthermore, Starlink’s entry into Zimbabwe’s digital landscape opens avenues for economic growth, particularly in e-commerce, and offers opportunities for the youth facing unemployment.
With expanded internet access, young and tech-savvy people will be able to explore online entrepreneurship, leveraging tools like Artificial Intelligence to generate income.
Zimbabwe is lagging behind on this front. In summary, the approval of Starlink heralds a transformative era for Zimbabwe, promising improved connectivity and socio-economic prospects.
The Internet Age, or as others prefer to call it the Digital Age, characterized by widespread access to the internet and its profound impact on various aspects of society, has finally arrived in Zimbabwe.
