Govt will arrest Starlink users: Potraz

Zim Now Writer

The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe has threatened to arrest individuals using Starlink, an internet service operated by American aerospace company SpaceX, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, before it is fully registered.

Speaking at the ICT Day Expo in Harare on Monday, Potraz Director-General, Dr Gift Machengete said Starlink was not fully registered and those using it are operating illegally.

“We will not hesitate to arrest anyone found using Starlink products and services here in Zimbabwe. As for now, they have not yet regularised, so no one should be seen using its products and services,” Dr Machengete said.

Due to the unreliability of local internet service providers, many Zimbabweans are opting for Starlink. Some have begun to import the gadgets from neighbouring countries such as Mozambique and Zambia where the service has been approved.

Information Communication Technology and Courier Services Minister, Tatenda Mavetera recently told Parliament that Starlink needs to comply with Zimbabwean laws in order to get a licence.

“As Zimbabwe, we have a policy that is clear that we want to engage as a country and allow any people that would want to trade with us to do it quite openly,” Mavetera said.

“Indeed, looking at Starlink, it is a company that has shown interest but for us as a ministry, we are waiting upon Potraz for them to also be guided by the regulation which guides us.

“There is a need to follow all procedures and protocols and that is what we are waiting for. As for now, they have not paid the application fees for them to be able to say they are willing. They have shown interest but they have not been able to adhere to our rules and regulations as a country.”

She added: “Indeed, for us we have policies like the Patriotic Bill that guide us. Any country that needs to deal with us needs to adhere to that and Starlink, the moment it will have to agree to our rules and regulations, it will be able to come and trade with us and go along with our laws as well.”