Starlink key to ED vision: Minister

TANAKA FETINANDI

Information Communication Technology (ICT) Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera says the licensing of Starlink by the government is crucial for realisation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision.

Mavetera celebrated the coming in of Starlink expressing gratitude to Mnangagwa on the move.

Starlink is owned by billionaire Elon Musk who is now owner of X, formerly Twitter.

“Thank you our President Mnangagwa for allowing Starlink to operate in Zimbabwe,” she said. “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.”

Mnangagwa’s government licensed Elon Musk’s Starlink recently in a move celebrated by millions of Zimbabweans who feel the move will ease connectivity challenges in the country.

The users also feel the coming on of Starlink will lead to minimal costs as other operators were overcharging.

Zimbabwe granted Starlink two licences to provide internet services nationwide, with a total licensing fee of US$575,000, significantly lower than what local mobile operators have paid in the past.

The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), on September 6, 2024, issued two licences to Starlink, allowing the company to provide internet services throughout the country using its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation.

The licences authorise Starlink to offer network services and internet services nationwide. Starlink plans to partner with local agencies, network operators, and internet service providers (ISPs) to distribute user terminals and provide managed end-user services.

The licences, which are valid for 20 years, will allow Starlink to provide internet services in Zimbabwe.

The licensing fee 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.

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