Elon Musk’s SpaceX’s Satellite Broadband Service, Starlink, Launches in Zimbabwe
After receiving presidential approval in May 2024, SpaceX’s Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite internet service, Starlink, is currently active in Zimbabwe.
According to reports, Elon Musk’s broadband service, Starlink, would be providing internet access at US$50 per month.
There is also a one-time fee of US$350 for the setup kit, as detailed on the company’s website.
The company’s local partner, IMC Communications, has been approved by the government to deliver its services.
In January 2023, Musk’s Starlink made its debut in Africa, using Nigeria as the launchpad.
With ambitious aspirations to spread throughout the continent, the next-generation satellite internet provider promises to revolutionise high-speed internet service in Africa.
The service was formally launched in seven African nations by October 2023: Nigeria, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, Malawi, and Zambia.
Starlink has since expanded to at least 14 African nations, including Sierra Leone and Mauritius.
The most recent addition to the list is Zimbabwe.
Starlink would be able to provide its mobile subscription plan across the country with this regulatory certification, allowing for connectivity even in isolated locations.
Residential users have a choice of two hardware options: the Starlink Mini hardware, which costs USD 200 with a monthly subscription charge, or the conventional gear, which costs USD 350.
It is anticipated that the Mini hardware will increase accessibility for middle-class consumers.
As of 2021, just 34.8% of Zimbabweans had access to the internet.
With Starlink’s introduction, the long-standing problems of expensive data plans and spotty access in rural areas could potentially be resolved.
By the end of September 2024, Starlink’s coverage map indicated that the service will be active in Lesotho and Senegal, with intentions to spread throughout Africa later in the year.
We earlier reported that SpaceX has launched Starlink Mini, a more compact model of their satellite internet service that can fit into a backpack.
The company’s CEO, Elon Musk, while conforming the product launch on X said that the Mini could be “a great low-cost option for a good backup Internet connection if your landline goes out.”
