Staff Reporter

The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) has set several demands to ensure the effective operation of Starlink.

This follows Government’s recent approval of the operation of Starlink in the country on 21 June 2024, in pursuant of its journey to meet POTRAZ required internet connectivity standards.

A source privy to the developments revealed to this publication that POTRAZ has laid out demands for Starlink to enable approval of the license.

“POTRAZ has demanded that Starlink should improve the location accuracy of its terminals to within 10 meters, confirm compliance within three months, establish a local office, and ensure the availability of end-user terminals, especially in remote and rural areas,” said the source..

Meanwhile, the approval of Starlink by Government has received widespread acclaim from technological experts and citizens alike.

Deputy Minister of Information Communication Technology and Postal Services, Dingumuzi Phuti, praised the decision as a necessary step to bridge the digital divide in the country.

“This is a monumental step towards bridging the digital divide in Zimbabwe. Starlink’s high-speed, low-cost internet can revolutionize connectivity in remote areas,” he said.

Similarly, a Harare resident Sarah Chigumba expressed her excitement for the approval of Starlink.

“The approval of Starlink is a game-changer for many of us who struggle with unreliable internet. It brings hope for better access to information and services for every citizen,” she said.

Although Starlink is not yet licensed, the approval is a significant step closer to that goal. This move demonstrates the Second Republic’s commitment to achieving a fully digitalized, upper-middle-income society by 2030, aiming to leave no place and no one behind.

Starlink's entry will position Zimbabwe among a select group of African countries benefiting from high-speed, low-cost broadband internet services.