Starlink has many Zimbabweans, myself included, all giddy. We feel like we have been getting terrible internet service for a few years. To make matters worse, we feel we are paying too much for that terrible service.
So, it is no wonder the country is smitten by Starlink, which is not even officially available yet. You know how obsessed people are though, they tend to overlook the red flags in their romantic pursuits. We don’t want to be those people.
Some of the reasons we are excited about Starlink are here: Tell your MP that this is why people are excited about Starlink – access, affordability, reliability.
Today, let’s talk about the drawbacks of Starlink entering the market.
Local ISPs
I know, the relationship that local internet service providers (ISPs) have with Zimbabweans is probably the worst it’s ever been. In today’s talk, ISPs shall include Internet Access Providers (IAPs).
So, we find ourselves at a point where many would not mind Starlink domination if it came to it. Some actually hope for that, with some even wishing that would lead to at least one local ISP shutting down.
This is not to say Starlink is a death sentence for local ISPs. Far from it. However, the entrance of Starlink will likely affect their operations to a significant degree.
Why is this bad, if the local ISPs have been fleecing their compatriots? – the salty internet user asks. Well…
Think of the jobs
Local ISPs employ a good number of Zimbabweans. We have a high enough unemployment rate, we don’t need Starlink adding to that.
And if Starlink eventually leaves?
If we allow Starlink to kill our local ISPs, what would happen if Starlink decided to exit the market for whatever reason? We would not have local ISPs to fill that gap. That brings us to …
National security
It is no secret that the Zimbabwean government has had EcoCash in its crosshairs for a while. Some of the reasons why they wanted (still want) to cripple it make sense.
Back when EcoCash was at its peak, then ICT Minister Supa Mandiwanzira, incidentally the same guy trying to block Starlink’s application today, talked about how if Ecocash goes down either because of system failure or intentionally for political purposes the impact would be huge.
His point was that such a critical service – mobile money – should not be in total control of a private entity. Even a private entity, founded and incorporated in the country.
Internet access is arguably more important, it is more critical in today’s economy, even mobile money requires it. You can see how it would be problematic for it to be in the hands of a private corporation. Worse still, an American one.
This is all assuming, or at least considering the worst-case scenario where Starlink dominates and some local ISPs pivot from that sector.
There are legitimate reasons why a government would not want that.
Of course, some of it has to do with the lack of control the government would have on Starlink. We have seen the Zimbabwean government order internet providers to shut down the internet before. The govt later denied this, claiming it was congestion but Strive Masiyiwa had already let the cat out of the bag,
The probability that Elon Musk would comply with such an order is low.
Empty Zimra coffers
Yes, if Starlink is granted a licence it would have to have a presence here and that would include payment of taxes. However, it would still mean less taxes paid to the government.
Starlink is cheaper than the fixed internet providers it would disrupt. It would collect less revenue and pay out less taxes. You could argue that would not be the case. However, when we consider the lower PAYE tax the govt would collect it would become the case.
That’s all small potatoes though. If some ISPs bow out that would mean they won’t pay licence fees come renewal time. You will remember that the government charges arms and legs for licences. Fewer players to licence would mean less revenue collected.
Our precious forex
We would be shipping out our scarce forex to Elon Musk if Starlink dominated. We do not have the forex to do this.
The question then becomes, would the govt force Starlink to accept the ZW$? It is the official currency of the land after all, they would have to.
At the very least, they would have to do that to create a level playing field. As much as I want Starlink to come, I would not support special treatment for Musk. He can’t demand USD whilst the likes of Econet are forced to accept the lovely ZW$.
If we decide to allow Starlink to refuse ZW$, we should allow our local ISPs to refuse it too. If not, Musk must accept ZW$.
Would Musk agree to that? I don’t think so. I suspect this may be one of the major factors delaying Starlink’s licence.
Why the above shouldn’t trouble us
I don’t think Starlink will dominate, something none of us want. We want competition, not to substitute one monopoly for another, however sweet the new would-be monopoly looks right now.
The local ISPs have been coasting and I believe the entrance of Starlink will force them to tweak things to survive. They know they are giving us a raw deal, even after considering the terrible economic conditions they are operating in.
Just last week we saw a Liquid Home promotion where they are offering 5 times the speeds they normally offer at no extra cost. They have always had this capacity, I would argue, they just didn’t have any reason to offer that.
There is much more that our resilient ISPs would do to compete with Starlink, I’m certain of it. Would they have to relook at their cost structures? Yes. Could that mean some layoffs? Probably, but they would survive.
The major reason – cost
Then there is the major reason that Starlink won’t mean the death of local ISPs. It is still too expensive for the vast majority of Zimbabwean internet users as we have discussed before.
It really is the tiny market of fixed internet users that is able to pay $37 for internet access per month. Let alone pay over $600 for the kit. Econet’s $1 WhatsApp bundles are not under much of a threat from Starlink.
There is a chance that some enterprising Zimbos will open internet cafes all over the country utilising Starlink. Imagine one at your local vegetable market with the entrepreneur collecting the $1 or $2 per week that would have gone to Econet from all the vendors there.
For unlimited internet, which would not be slower than mobile internet even after considering tens of people on the same router, the entrepreneur could charge even more than that. I believe there is a sizable group of people that would be able to pay.
Anyway, what do you think about all this? Do you think Starlink will disrupt the sector or do you think our ISPs will rise to the challenge?
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Hopeless Chonini ( homo hope) – even my a*** lube is rising in price in us$ here at the pharmacies, i’m going to uk for xmas to stock up on a few cheap bottles of a*** lube for next years events ….
YES WE NEED IT ITS GOOD PRICING
Well let’s put it as it is.
We can’t continue to be under the yoke of slow speeds , unreliable connectivity , high prices poor service levels just because of ZIMRA and ISPs.
If they act deliver what we expect someone else will sipmpl3.
The argument about job is neither here nor there.
What about the careers of the youth who want to pursue cloud based services like blockchain , cyber security , VoIP , AI/ML , data science and much more.
We can not pause technological progress because of fear of jobs losses.
Once upon a time the postage stamp and the postman thought they were the cog in the passing of messages . But alas disruptive technologies take no prisoners.
Shape up or ship out.
I get the point about US$ but am not sure why you chose that good as an example 😂
In other African countries Starlink is using accepting their local currency. I don’t think it would be any different with Zimbabwe
Projection, the mental process by which people attribute to others what is in their own minds. This comment looks like a prime example of the projection phenomena.
The disadvantages of starlink coming to Zim are outweighed by the benefits. Our local ISP’s will definitely have to pull their socks.
Definitely. Starlink would force ISPs to up their game on the high end of the market. And deep down they will know that if they don’t do the same for the mid to low end offerings in the long term, Starlink Societies will take up the slack, snapping up every home within signal range of the router. Even if Starlink packed up tomorrow, LEO internet is now a growing industry and others will carry forward their market impact.
Yes. 💯 what you said. LEO is out there already and there’s no wishing it away, even if Starlink doesn’t get a licence in Zimbabwe. It will be used widely.
Zimbabwean isp needs starlink as a competitor the pricing of econet is high
I agree that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. I sincerely believe the ISPs will awaken and be competitive. That can only drive the nation forward.
We will reduce the cost of the kit to $123.01usd, internet to the people.
😂😂🔥
Elon Muskiri 🤣 the people need you
Lets looks at the bigger picture, by Starlink entering the Zim market we are building a relationship for much bigger projects with billionaire Elon Musk’s other companies Tesla, X, SpaceX, The Boring Company, Solar City . They can setup Giga Factories to add value to our Lithium, iron, chrome. This will create 10s of thousands of jobs as well as bring in world class technology for our Zimbabwe . This will be massive for Zimra especially when we are producing Tesla and batteries for the whole world. Starlink is a gateway to so many opportunities. Our Minister of ICT has the easiest task of allowing Starlink which will have the most impact across all sectors and bring in alot of Forex.
not with a greedy officials lurking in the wings!
Unofunga iwe….
For me that would be a bonus. I’m not holding my breath that Starlink will open doors for other Elon companies to come to Zimbabwe. Is there a chance that that’s the case, especially in the lithium case where Tesla would be interested in our deposits? Yes, but I don’t want to think about that this early on. I don’t want to deal with disappointment.
I think Econet are well overpriced. Not only that they have just increased services in US$ by a hefty amount.
Not exceptable.
A major factor is that we can’t afford whatever they may want to charge. Hence it’s all overpriced.
Econet and zanu pf are not happy with starlink coming to Zimbabwe but the general populace would love to have another independent competitor on the ground as soon as yesterday..we can’t be struggling with internet connectivity in 2023
Econet and zanu pf are not happy with starlink coming to Zimbabwe but the general populace would love to have another independent competitor on the ground as soon as yesterday..we can’t be struggling with internet connectivity in 2023
In light of the fact that Starlink is owned by Elon Musk, the wealthiest man in the world, allowing Starlink to operate in Zimbabwe would establish a relationship with one of the most powerful and influential corporations in the world, and open up the possibility of doing business with Tesla, Solar City, SpaceX, the Boring Company, and other Musk-owned companies.
These companies are leaders in their respective industries, and have a significant impact on the global economy. Zimbabwe has the resources that these companies need, such as lithium, iron, and chrome. If Musk were to establish a Gigafactory, Starlink, and Solar City in Zimbabwe, it would create tens of thousands of jobs and generate significant revenue for the Zimbabwean government.
This is a significant opportunity for Zimbabwe, and it is important to approve Starlink
I hope Starlink opens more doors. I’m not crossing my fingers though. If it weren’t for the likes of Eubert Angel being preoccupied with ‘extracurricular’ activities, they would be selling the idea of Zimbabwe having huge lithium deposits to Tesla’s battery dept. Yes, it’s an uphill task downplaying the rest of the economy but as the one tasked with bringing innovation to Zim, he should be trying.
Starlink would be a game changer for consumers of fixed internet services. Arguably better service at a reduced price. Those with rural operations can even resell wireless access within their communities this expanding reach to those who are currently limited. I would argue that Starlink would reduce the Forex burden but the current IAP/ISPs also need to pay for their wholesale access offshore.
I agree with what you said, except for the forex issue. The current ISPs are being forced to accept ZW$ and so still rely on the RBZ’s auction for USD. They are not getting anywhere close to the forex they need there. The govt is priotising the likes of agric and food retail. So, current ISPs and IAPs’ forex expenditure is curtailed. If Starlink is allowed to refuse ZW$, they would repatriate all their USD earnings. After all, there isn’t much to pay for here. They don’t need to pay a cent to a Zimbabwean company to maintain their infrastructure.
Wow this is not a very enlightened article.
1. In all African countries – subscriptions are in local currency. Check starlinks website
2. You talk about jobs – but how do you justify denying Zimbabweans affordable access to internet so they can better themselves
3. You talk about reduced taxes – how are other countries surviving with reduced taxes?
Let’s talk about the digital nomad / remote worker for a moment. Zol / Liquid now charges north of $500 per month for the 100Mbps/100Mbps home package. The price is so obnoxious that it is no longer on their websites. So I want to be able to run a vpn, do zoom calls, present etc. while working from home for a USA company, and you want me to use an Econet bundle? Sorry to come across as rude, but wake up.
There is no Zimbabwean that said yes as a voter, I would like to get gouged for internet so I can support the taxes.
Let’s talk about your enlightment.
1. The Zimbabwean currency is not like those other currencies. It cannot be considered a full currency;
-it’s not traded on major forex markets
-it’s not used as a reserve currency by central banks
-it’s not used as a unit for international trade and investment
-it’s not widely accepted as a payment method for goods and services outside of Zimbabwe
Not to mention the Zim economy is weak, making the ZW$ less attractive and its history of hyperinflation.
So, there is grounds for Starlink to make an exception in Zimbabwe. It’s not unprecedented, consider how DStv demands USD here whilst they accept local currencies elsewhere.
2. You missed the whole point. We talked about how internet access will help people better themselves. Just because Starlink will help in our internet access does not mean there are no drawbacks. I do believe the positives outweigh the drawbacks but it remains a fact, Starlink domination will lead to job losses. No one is justifying denying Zimbabweans internet access.
3. The fact that some other countries are dealing with the same issue does not mean it’s not an issue. It has to be considered and planned for. Besides, no two countries are in the same revenue situation and not many countries are as dependent on tax revenue from ICT sector companies like Zimbabwe so it can’t be an apples to apples.
So, no one is saying you should be doomed to use Econet bundles or that you agreed to be gouged for internet. We are saying we cannot be overexcited about a new service as to ignore the drawbacks, even if the positives outweigh them. I’m on your side that we need Starlink here pronto but we have to wake up to the full picture. I hope that’s awake enough for you.
So let me ask this one question –
Once upon a time, bicycles were king in zimbabwe, and then came the automobile.
What happened to all the people that worked for the bicycle factories. We both know that your article was click baity at best and that just like when Liquid came, people left other ISPs to go work for Liquid. The world waits for no one.
And yes Zimbabwe is not like any other country, no other country taxes the internet the way we do. So yes its a wake up call, free money printing for the tax man is coming to an end. Starlink spells that end.
You dont even go to talk about job creation in terms of remote opportunities that could be unlocked for Zimbabweans.
Yes you are right about currency, but… even if Starlink charges in ma yuwesi, $51 is still better than Liquids current USD500 package for 100/100.
No love lost Leonard, but reality is your “bad news” is not bad news, this is life 101, change happens and you either adopt and keep up or get left behind.
Local service providers must gear up for modern technological competition, that would eventually be good for consumers,why mentioning disadvantages only n not advantages if starlink is registered in zim,incompetency,greediness n insensitivity better desribe us as zimboz,econet was ones shut out by govt to protect weakling netone ,n Nkomo came to rescue ,,,need more reliable n affordable service providors!
It’s high time local isps are given competition whether local or international should not matter. If starlink is to pull out of Zim then as in any market the demand for internet would entice other market entrants. Zimbabweans are currently being scammed by Strive and co. Paying some of the world’s highest costs for data among other services. Just as safair came in and shook up the hre jhb flight market, isps must come in and shake up the internet market. While some jobs will be lost many others will be gained through the internet. Think of online businesses, access to platforms for freelancers etc. Zimbabweans must put their foot down to this corrupt regime trying to get every cent out of us while at the same time stealing from us in every way possible .
this is one of the most nonsensical article produced by this blog recently
This is one of the most nonsensical comment produced in the comments section of this blog recently. See, it’s easy to criticise.
I’ll do it right and tell you why I’m not impressed with this comment. You did not specify what’s nonsensical about the article. That way we could address the nonsense and everyone would be richer for it.
What I suspect happened is you thought I was saying let’s ban Starlink and you thought, ‘what a nonsensical thing to say.’
Please point to the nonsense and we can discuss. Check what Lets Talk did above. He/she laid out what they thought was nonsense and we proceeded to talk about it. Be more like Lets Talk.
Look at the other African countries. They are embracing it.
We are being fleeced by greedy ISPs who have over subscribed their link and clearly paying ridiculous fees to you know who…
How does Liquid increase their fees in local currency by %200 in 3 months?
We need competition. It’s good for consumers. So yes let Starlink come in. It will create its own jobs
The local guys should fix their issues
Simple.
The point is we are tired of being ripped off in all facets of life in this place. So any chance to get a normal service on international standards is a breath of fresh air. Just step across the border in any direction to instantly notice how bad our ISP providers are here. The truth is is we have had no progression here for many many years and now are the worst in the region,( I have no proof other than personal experience with this.)
I need star link in my life I cant afford it but it will screw with the local ISPs to consumer benefit.
Let’s go for starlink. The advantages are huge.
Well well, this excuse of kot bringing Stalink is totally unacceptable.
Zol has already increased their tariffs and unlimited is around or close 300 us dollars a month and if I am to pay for Stalink that will be for 6 months.
I’m already saving up that 600 bucks. 37 dollars for unlimited Internet is a better deal than what I get from ZOL from the same money.
Aiwa ndinoti starlink ngaiuye. Telone internet is so slow ngavangoite zvema landline I’m so frustrated. ZOL on the other hand keeps saying they don’t have space pa base ravo, for close to a year now???? Hai kana, ngaauye zvake Elon tibhadharire zviripo.
Our economy is a joke but at the same time we still supporting with our sweat and tears so are these ISPs which in turn going onto charge our outrageous prices for slower broadband speeds and unreliable services.Its just terrible to own a smart device in Zimbabwe because they are the likes of Netone where you charged that USD for internet access and after paying you have to restart your phone 10 times to refresh your WhatsApp page ,that’s sad.So from this point ,I for one I am happy starlink is coming coz this what we have right now is not working guys.Give us the higher prices but make the networks better and offer people better speeds like the rest of the world
Talking of competition, Kanti where did Dolphin end up? 🤷♂️
It’s already almost too late for some ISPs as Starlink is already there.Even if the government doesn’t licence it zimbos will always find a way to get their hands on it.
I will have starlink no matter what.
Our ISPs have failed even Econet,I work remotely in SA but due to the poor internet I can’t come and work from ZIM due to price and link quality,
If we look at coverage ISPs only service towns n cities in rural areas you can’t even send and receive videos ,hence Starlink can bridge that gap and task our local ISP to know that customers are everywhere not only towns,we have farmers in Zim they need internet to be innovative but you can’t do anything due to lack of connection
Our ISPs have failed even Econet,I work remotely in SA but due to the poor internet I can’t come and work from ZIM due to price and link quality,
If we look at coverage ISPs only service towns n cities in rural areas you can’t even send and receive videos ,hence Starlink can bridge that gap and task our local ISP to know that customers are everywhere not only towns,we have farmers in Zim they need internet to be innovative but you can’t do anything due to lack of connection
Starlink entering the market would force the current players to reduce their prices or improve their service, but it should not necessarily mean a death sentence for local ISPs. If the mobile operators for example, were to invest in 5G for example they should be able to retain their customer base. Where Starlink could end up having a monopoly is in the rural areas and urban outskirts where connectivity is poor or non-existent. As for saving local jobs, we should ask ourselves how many jobs saved would justify the opportunities we would be denying ourselves by denying so many the opportunity to have quality internet regardless of their location.
As for the national security point, the gvt should invest in the other players in the industry to keep them competitive. The gvt already has a stake in Telecel and NetOne. They should invest in those companies to keep them competitive if they are so worried about a private company having a monopoly. Btw, as long as Starlink expects to receive payments coming out of Zimbabwe the government will have enough leverage to make them shut down their service when asked to do so.
As for the concern about forex leaving the country going to Elon Musk, that may be true but we are getting a service in return. When considering the flows of money we must also consider the flow of goods and services as well. It is easy to think of this as Elon Musk taking money from ZW but he is giving us a service in return which we find valuable. The question isn’t how much forex leaves the country but what productivity we create from the increased internet access.
While the point about cost is valid, for a lot of people that $600 may be the only thing standing between them and having any working internet. Think of all those people building nice houses in the rural areas, farms, urban outskirts etc.
I think Starlink will be made to establish a local presence, accept payment in ZWL at the same rates as other players in the sector. They might also be made to pay a license similar to Econet.
The article did not address mobility constraints for Starlink, Zimbabweans largely use internet on the go. Also dependency on electricity for the devices will require generators or solar backup due to unreliable ZESA grid as well as weather susceptibility as we experience poor connectivity on DSTV when it rains which all negatively constrain the Starlink solution
Starlink mostly competes with the top fiber offerings and vsat. While some of these packages offer hotspot access away from home, you can take StarLink with you and get full-fat performance, environment permitting. For me, the choice is clear
Don’t care if these local ISP are roasted by the coming of starlinks, all we need is fast and reliable internet that can be accessed anywhere which the local ISP are failing to provide at the time
This article was written by a poor thinker. Such thinking is the reason why Zimbabwe’s policies and systems are far behind. All the “negatives” will be set off by the opportunities more accessible internet brings. Secondly ISP’s need to be more creative and evolve and stop choking Zimbabweans with tariff increase almost every 2 weeks !!
That’s so true ,if u have it good and suddenly the rest of the world avana basa 😂
they have to rise to the challenges, and so we welcome Starlink. We cant protect locals who are killing us and also they have terrible ethics. They just need to adjust, if the get out of business some locals will jump in and face the competition from starlink.
Great having compatition to bring the cost down in a country looking for value for money ,not a ripp off .
One thing you need to know is its not like zim internet is not fast bt ISPs like Liquid throttle the speed to make it slower and they create packages based on data and speed. take telone for example they just dish the whole fiber internet as is, Telone fiber is the fastest broadband and the cheapest that will be the only one that can compete with starlink if it comes. Its time for competition liquid i think has profiteered enough with our hard earned dollar.
writer of this article you must be high on something. Should we suffer for your government to enjoy the benefits. let starlink come and give them a run for their money. These ISPs are making a killing and as the government said they should innovate instead of being cry babies. We can’t subsidize for the government.
$37 is for unlimited data and these isps charge over a hundred dollars for that same service which is even slower than starlink by a very wide margin. How do you expect the local economy to catchup to world standards and better service delivery for the general masses?
economies nowadays run online big companies that run the world are internet companies look into that aswell.
I see only good business and fair play. Competition is good it trims prices for consumers. After all the people had bad network connectivity. I thought you would talk about conspiracies. If it’s not about controlling people then it’s good.
You’ve kicked the hornets nest leonard.you right about one monopoly for another but I take to what happened this very week.OK zim are claiming they can’t compete with a tuckshop.they simply over charging and the market has spoken. Now they hiding behind taxes. Incase ppl didn’t know they pay for their good 30 days later they rents are cheaper and let’s honest they not paying their workers much. The same scenario in ISP they have taken consumers for granted for too long. Their recent price increase has no justification in USD.
3rd world leadership always knows best
Zimbabwe is open for business, let the market benefit. Let market forces roar! Like water level, the dynamics will find ownd equilibrium!
Fellow Zimbabweans, if we all put our heads together, we can all agree at some point that we do not need Elon’s Starlink in our country. Banning this novel technology will give rise to local entrepreneurs who will at some poi grab the opportunity and establish a corporation like what Strive did remember he didn’t invent anything but just brought technology from abroad into the motherland. From an Economics Perspective l don’t want to be part of the league that thinks Elon will build a gigafactory here (u guys joke maningi).
We don’t need StarLink like humanity doesn’t need the wheel. We should ban wheels altogether and some Zimbo out there will redescover wooden sleds and will eventually develop non magnetic levitation pods! It will be a hundred years later but at least it will be a local innovation!
Fellow Zimbabweans, if we all put our heads together, we can all agree at some point that we do not need Elon’s Starlink in our country. Banning this novel technology will give rise to local entrepreneurs who will at some poi grab the opportunity and establish a corporation like what Strive did remember he didn’t invent anything but just brought technology from abroad into the motherland. From an Economics Perspective l don’t want to be part of the league that thinks Elon will build a gigafactory here (u guys joke maningi).
You juss singing for your supper. Local internet providers have beem milking us for years and lying that they are juss head above water while charging an arm and a leg. My take is they will up their game with the entrance of Starlink, streamline and become competitive.
Starlink will provide competition and our local ISPs desperately need that (Zol/Liquid’s new pricing is crazy).
Econet ngaiwache over priced and substandard Internet speed. Competition iri kutodiwa vanonyanyo ganzai $37 /motn 200MB/Min speed inoita. Star Link ngaiuye citizen asarudze zvaanod
Your article is out of line at the end of the day all local ISPs provide internet services on a 2nd hand or 3rd had basis you cant then compare a retailers prices vs the manufacturer.
For example Vsat services in Zimbabwe are triple the price than that of Europe this along means they are short changing us. I Have qoutes in my email a vsat service i paid Dandemutande for US$828 was quoted around US$ 300 with bigger speeds again.
These local ISPNs have been ripping us for long time it’s time they give us real prices & fight for better fair play from the government via potraz
But its an issue of the exchange rate that then defies the odds but if dstv has managed to get it why not these local service providers move out & fire from outside & enjoy the benefits.
Tel-One has made specif USD bundles but there internet speeds are pathetic they should start working on improving there services to stand up & government should assist & not just collect money & taxes from them.
Amazon is also come up with there version of startlink the game is getting interesting
Huawei is also making a satellite phone who knows what it carries
You are right my brother. They must close down. They ate ripping off people and the government us saying nothing. Imagine paying such a huge amount 9f money and still get poor service
Fck your click bait story
Local ISP’s have been ripping their client base off for far too long and now there is a real competitor in the market. I have no allegiance to any local ISP. Bring on Starlink and disrupt this cartel.
Starlink is the real deal
Zimbabwe 8s very expensive on internet. Let hi come and kill those ISPs. Can you calculate how much a family can pay for 300gig per month for smart TV, 6 phones, three laptops on average?
You raise some very good points of potential security and national economic issues.
Could Starlink license not include some control and licensing?
The internet in Zimbabwe is so expensive and we are getting a raw deal from every corner.
The internet service is out of greed and sabotage.
The raw deal Zimbabweans get from energy suppliers is multiplied 10 times over in internet provision tariffs and reliability. The ring fencing of these entities by fending off external competition has not been helpful to the consumer at all. The role of government is to make services available to its citizens at affordable costs without prejudicing business profit. Government ought to help create a level playing field for business while protecting its citizens against reap offs. The challenge zimbabwe has is that some in government are interested parties, making it difficult for rationally fair government decisions to be made in scenarios like this
Entry of star link should not be seen as a threat to existing service provision but as a necessary competitor entry that will give citizens a wider choice. Recently one senior government official pointed out at a conference that “big business CEOs should be more innovative in order to outwit urban vendor inversion or be fired”, by the same token, why then is everyone jittery about the entry of a competitor in the playing field now..??? Why can’t we tell the CEOs to pull up their socks to face the competition instead of mourning about the impact of this competition on existing established players who have been fleecing the citizens for ages unabated anywhere….???
I think starlink should be allowed to operate in Zim.
1.In business we always competition bring out the best business.for example the internet service in zim is bad amd expensive.if you look at south africa with Zar800 u get unlimited access with over 50mbs speed then later it might drop to 30 or 30.From our ISPs we never get that speed we are still in the kbs even in 2023.
Ngatikwanei handiti
Starlink must takeover our problem as a country of arm twisting customers will be over what hurumende thinks is another fish to cook or fry who cares .
There are zero negative to convenience.
Taxes, jobs and other ISP that’s a lame excuse
We already spend more forex in fuel that we waste in traffic
On the positive side, increased competition would drive improvements in service quality, pricing, and accessibility. Also the job loss would be replaced by adaption, which will open up space for E-jobs. Zim is already an English fluent country so we could benefit from outsourced jobs like tech reps, phone service like India did.
I wonder how many other industries are not growing because the govt wants tax money
I live in Mt Darwin and use Telone ADSL. I have never cursed so much in my life as when I try to connect with Telone! The service is just pathetic. If it works 2 days a week continuously we sing hallelujah! Its constantly down bcz of cable theft or something else. Kuita 4 days ne internet anenge ari mashura. Apo mari inenge ichingoenda ichichema. I can’t wait for Starlink. Tatononokerwa. The local ISPs should just whip themselves in line or ship out. We can’t be held at ransom bcz of lack of alternatives, hell NO!
People should be able to choose from many service providers and that brings about competition. Some of the fears like killing the local ISPs and leave the market can be dealt with through stringent contracts so that it’s not easy to do so.
Why is starlink banned in zimbabwe is it because government can’t get control what people want to Google
This is the most inane and stupid article, it sounds so nonsensical as if written by a zanupf apparatchik, what is wrong with getting faster service at a reasonable cost?
You concede our ISP are at their worse and you want us to continue paying for rubbish service?