By Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe’s government has granted global internet service provider Starlink two licenses at significantly lower fees compared to those paid by local telecommunications operators in the past.
The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) issued Starlink a Telecommunication License for Network Services and an Internet Services Provider (National) License for a total of US$575,000.
Starling’s licensing fees consists of US$525,000 for a Network Services licence and US$50,000 for an ISP National License.
Additionally, Starlink will be required to pay 3.5% of its gross turnover plus VAT.
This represents a substantial discount compared to the US$145 million fee POTRAZ charged Econet Zimbabwe in 2013 for a 20-year license.
Econet Zimbabwe paid US$85 million upfront and owed US$60 million, which was later settled as a debt, for a 20-year license.
POTRAZ Director General Gift Machengete said the government is confident that Starlink’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology will enhance broadband connectivity throughout the country and help bridge the digital divide.
“POTRAZ is convinced that the addition of the LEO Technology layer onto the Zimbabwean ecosystem of Network Technologies would enhance ubiquitous and meaningful broadband connectivity throughout Zimbabwe.
Connecting the unconnected and bridging the digital divide remain key priorities for Zimbabwe, as we journey towards vision 2030,” said Machengete.
Starlink plans to partner with local agencies, network operators, and internet service providers to distribute user terminals and provide managed end-user services.
The licenses, which are valid for 20 years, will allow Starlink to provide internet services in Zimbabwe.
Minister of ICT, Tatenda Mavetera, has welcomed Starlink’s entry, stating that it aligns with the government’s vision of a digitally connected Zimbabwe.
“Thank you, our President, Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa, for allowing Starlink to operate in Zimbabwe.
“This technology will add impetus to your vision of a digitally connected Zimbabwe, especially reaching to the underserved and marginalised people through the use of LEO satellites,” she said.
