Zimbos online are furious after an internal leak revealed that ZBC paid 7 times more for a Starlink kit, still illegal in Zimbabwe.
Since last year, Government has acknowledged that Starlink would want to set up shop in the country. Starlink is a high-speed internet service running through satellite internet constellation operated by American aerospace company SpaceX.
For the internet service to operate legally in Zimbabwe, it has to get a licence from the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ). Last year, ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera said Starlink is yet to pay the licence fee to operate.
However, some people have been acquiring Starlink kits outside Zimbabwe. Others are even buying and reselling them in the country, with Minister Monica Mutsvangwa’s son Neville fingered as one culprit.
POTRAZ and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have been raiding Starlink suppliers and users. Last week, a Chinese mine paid a fine for using Starlink, a contravention of the Postal and Telecommunications Act. The business was guilty of “willfully and or operating a radio station without a license or authorisation.”
Yesterday, a hotel in Victoria Falls also paid a US$500 fine for using Starlink.
It seems the law is not being applied equally. Viral images have revealed that State media, that is ZBC and Zimpapers, use Starlink. This has evoked reservations online, considering others are getting convictions.
It has now emerged that ZBC paid about 7 times more than the official price of a Starlink kit. On the Starlink website, Zambians can buy a kit for US$453. However, ZBC paid a staggering US$3,105.
This has provoked angry reactions from Zimbos.
Hopewell:
“This is how parastatals are looted on Zimbabwe.The level of looting in this country is shocking, terribly shocking. Zimbabwe is a crime scene I tell you!!!”
Chocolate:
“What kind of invoice is that? Not even fiscalised yet it’s charging VAT.”
Derek:
“Havanawo ma IT department here ku Dead BC. Looting of steroids. 😣😣😣”
Brian:
“I wonder who owns Wethu? And are those Taxes being remitted? Is ZIMRA accepting taxes for unauthorized goods/services?”
Source iHarare
