Zimbabwe has stirred up trouble for individuals seeking Starlink’s rapid satellite internet service. The Zimbabwean government surprisingly asked Starlink to halt its services to customers in the country due to a licensing dispute with the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ).
The heart of the matter lies in Starlink’s operational authorization. POTRAZ asserted that Starlink lacked the necessary license to function within Zimbabwe’s borders. Although Zimbabweans procured Starlink kits from neighboring countries where the service is permitted, their utilization was considered unauthorized by local authorities.
In response to POTRAZ’s request, Starlink complied by discontinuing service for its Zimbabwean users. Nevertheless, this cessation does not necessarily signify the end of Starlink’s aspirations in Zimbabwe.
Starlink has signaled its willingness to collaborate with POTRAZ to secure the required regulatory clearances. This cooperative stance is underscored by reports of a genial dialogue between POTRAZ’s Director-General, Gift Machengete, and Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX (Starlink’s parent company).
Machengete suggested that Starlink submitting a formal application could expedite the licensing process.
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What does the formal application process look like?
The first step for companies looking to establish themselves as international internet service providers in Zimbabwe is to submit a comprehensive application to POTRAZ.
This application typically includes detailed documentation about the company’s business operations, technical infrastructure, financial stability, and any other relevant information required by the regulatory authority.
Once the application is submitted, POTRAZ may conduct a thorough review to ensure that the company complies with all regulations and requirements set forth for internet service providers in Zimbabwe. This may involve a technical evaluation of the company’s infrastructure to assess its suitability for providing internet services in the country.
Financial stability is another crucial aspect that companies must demonstrate during the approval process. POTRAZ will likely require evidence of the company’s financial viability and ability to sustain operations as an international internet service provider in Zimbabwe.
After reviewing the application, documentation, and any evaluations conducted, POTRAZ will make a decision on whether to approve the company as an international internet service provider in Zimbabwe. If approved, the company will be issued a license to operate in the country.
Once licensed, the company must adhere to ongoing compliance requirements and may be subject to monitoring by POTRAZ to ensure continued adherence to regulations. This monitoring helps to maintain the integrity of the regulatory framework and safeguard the quality of internet services provided to consumers in Zimbabwe.
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Starlink has to get the work done
While Starlink may be selling its global coverage and presence, individual nations have distinct regulations governing internet service providers (ISPs). Operating without proper authorization can result in service interruptions, as evidenced in Zimbabwe.
Furthermore, the incident sheds light on the underground market for Starlink kits within Zimbabwe. Residents, eager for improved internet speeds, sought alternative means to obtain Starlink equipment. However, this workaround could not bypass the necessity of official licensing.
