ICT experts welcome move on Starlink
INFORMATION communication technology (ICT) experts have welcomed the move by President Mnangagwa to allow Starlink to operate in Zimbabwe, saying it is in line with the Second Republic’s developmental agenda to prioritise the digital economy.
Last week President Mnangagwa approved the licensing of Star Link by the Postal Telecommunication Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) saying the move will result in the deployment of high-speed and low cost, internet infrastructure throughout Zimbabwe.
ICT expert Mr Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi said as more Starlink satellites are launched, the system has the potential to support increasing numbers of users and bandwidth demands.
He said Starlink aims to provide high-speed internet access to areas that are traditionally underserviced or difficult to reach with traditional terrestrial internet infrastructure such as rural and remote locations.
Utilising a constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), Starlink plans to offer internet coverage across the globe, including areas where laying cable or building cell towers is impractical or cost-prohibitive.
“Starlink’s satellite-based network can provide emergency internet connectivity in areas affected by natural disasters or other events that disrupt traditional internet infrastructure. The introduction of Starlink has the potential to increase competition in the internet service provider market, driving innovation and potentially lowering prices for consumers,” he said.
Mr Mutisi said the introduction of Starlink and other satellite-based internet services has the potential to significantly impact local mobile and telecommunications service providers in several ways:
He said Starlink’s global coverage and high-speed connectivity can directly compete with traditional broadband and mobile internet services offered by local providers.
This increased competition may force local providers to improve their services, lower prices, or develop new offerings to stay competitive. “Starlink’s satellite-based network reduces the need for extensive local infrastructure, such as cell towers and fiber-optic cables, to provide internet access. This may diminish the importance and revenue streams for local telecom companies that have traditionally relied on building and maintaining this infrastructure,” he said.
“As Starlink and other satellite internet providers gain market share, local providers may need to adapt their business models, technologies and service offerings to remain relevant and cater to changing customer needs.”
Mr Mutisi said this could lead to increased investment in new technologies, such as 5G or fiber-optic networks, to maintain competitiveness.
“Starlink’s focus on providing internet access to underserved and remote areas may pose a particular challenge for local providers that have traditionally struggled to serve these regions profitably. This could result in a shift in market share, as customers in these areas migrate to Starlink or other satellite-based services,” he said.
Mr Mutisi said some local service providers may choose to partner with Starlink or other satellite internet providers to offer integrated services or leverage the satellite network to enhance their own offerings.
He said such collaborations could help local providers adapt to the changing market landscape and potentially retain or even expand their customer base.
President Mnangagwa is on record saying modernisation and industrialisation of Africa urgently require the adoption of science, technology and innovation with partnerships essential for the continent to leap forward and build capabilities in ICT.
Government is committed to ensuring that Zimbabwe achieves a digital economy by 2030. -chroncile
