In a bid to capitalise on the surging demand for Starlink’s satellite internet service, the Zimbabwean government has imposed a ban on the unauthorised sale of Starlink User Terminals (kits) by telecoms providers and dealers.
This move comes after Elon Musk’s company was granted a license to operate in Zimbabwe.
The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) has announced that only licensed entities will be permitted to sell Starlink kits, effective immediately.
According to media reports, this decision aims to regulate the sale of the kits and generate revenue for the government. Director General Gift Kallisto Machengete emphasised that any agency, dealer, or internet service provider (ISP) selling Starlink kits must obtain clearance from POTRAZ.
The regulator seeks to control the distribution of the kits and ensure compliance with licensing conditions.
As Starlink’s popularity grows in Zimbabwe, driven by demand for affordable and reliable connectivity, the government is moving to assert control over the market and tap into the revenue potential.
