Starlink suspends services in line with govt order...

Starlink suspends services in line with govt orders

Zim Now Writer

Starlink has announced that it is shutting down its internet services in the country following directives from government.

According to a report by Techzim, Starlink has an estimated 5 000 users of the service in the country.

In an email sent to users, the Starlink team advised its users to terminate the service until they receive approval in the country.

“You are currently using Starlink in an unauthorised territory. As a result, Starlink has been directed by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe to disable your service.

“We will continue to work with Potraz to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals to turn on Starlink services in Zimbabwe as soon as possible.

“We encourage you to contact Potraz at the.regulator@potraz.gov.zw or +263 242 333032 to communicate your support for Starlink to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals in Zimbabwe.

“As described in your Terms of Service, Starlink does not guarantee when or where its Mobile or Mobile Priority Services Plans will be available. Use of such services is dependent on many factors, including obtaining or maintaining the necessary regulatory approvals which are subject to change.

“You may pause service and billing by following the Instructions here or continue service and use your Starlink service in an area we currently serve, If you opt to pause service, you can reach out to support and we will issue a service credit for any remainder of the current billing period.

“As soon as we receive regulatory approvals to turn on Starlink services in Zimbabwe, we will let you know.

“The Starlink team,” reads the email.

In February, Potraz said that while Starlink had expressed interest in getting a licence to operate in Zimbabwe, it had actually not applied for one. Users of the service were therefore essentially breaking the law.

Last month, reports suggested that government was holding meetings with officials from Starlink over licensing of the service in Zimbabwe.

As of October 2023, Starlink was officially available in seven African countries. Nigeria, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, Malawi, and Zambia were among the initial entrants into the Starlink network.

Zimbabwean users are not the first to receive such a notice from Starlink, with reports suggesting that users in DRC also had their Starlink terminals shut down last month.

Starlink reportedly offers the cheapest internet service in Zimbabwe. At roughly US$38 a month, its users get unlimited access to the internet.