Starlink reseller targets 50pc digital cost reduction

AURA Group, one of the companies licenced to resell Starlink, a Low Earth Orbit internet constellation, services in Zimbabwe says its pricing structure cuts the existing cost of internet data and subscriptions by at least 50 percent.

This comes after the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) licenced several firms namely State-owned telecommunications firm TelOne, Frampol, Dandemutande, and Paratus as resellers of Starlink services in Zimbabwe.

A wholly-owned subsidiary of US billionaire Elon Musk’s aerospace company, SpaceX, which already provides coverage in more than 100 countries and territories, Starlink officially activated its signal in Zimbabwe on September 7, 2024. Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Dr Tatenda Mavetera officially launched Aura Group as one the resellers of Starlink in Harare yesterday. Aura Group chief executive officer Mr Samuelle Dimairho, whose company was established in 2008 before spreading its tentacles across the southern African region revealed how the group’s services would impact the telecoms sector.

“Our pricing structure cuts the cost of internet data and subscriptions by a minimum of 50 percent. It’s a minimum of 50 percent when you are comparing what we are selling versus what is on the market currently and what people are paying.

“In some instances, you know we enable clients to make even up to 65 percent savings on existing bills — where they were paying US$1000, they might end up paying between US$350 and US$500.”

He said the company was looking at its service offerings from a package perspective.

“So, it doesn’t matter whether it’s one customer or a corporate entity, but if you basically compare what they are paying currently and what we’ll be able to offer them, there will be significant cost savings. Our initial assessments have shown us that we should at least save customers a minimum of 50 percent,” said Mr Dimairho.

The company is also distributing the Starlink standard kit (premium) at a retail price including Value Added Tax of US$420 and high-performance kit at US$2 999 while data, inclusive of duty, 40 Gigabyte (GB) of priority plus standard unlimited at US$120, and 1 terabyte (TB) of priority plus standard unlimited at US$175.

Aura said 2TB of priority plus standard unlimited is going for US$340 while additional priority data per GB is pegged at US$0,33.

“If I was to give you an example, at my home I have a 30 Megabits per second (Mbps) connection and it’s unlimited and I pay US$200 per month. Now with Starlink, those priority packages you can get speeds of up to 220Mbps and if you have the high-performance kit, you can get up to speeds of 350 Mbps.

“I can tell you right now that someone who has a 200 (Mbps) connection with priority in Zimbabwe is not going to pay anything less than US$10 000 per month,” he said.

In his address at the launch event, Mr Dimairho together with Starlink officials, said they will act as catalysts for empowering underserved communities, improving healthcare services, enhancing food security, extending access to information, and supporting value addition and beneficiation in various sectors.

“Our last-mile internet solutions will deliver speeds of up to 350Mbps through Starlink kits. Additionally, we will offer backhaul services for bulk internet data users, with speeds reaching up to 20Gbps,” he said.

In her address Dr Mavetera said introducing Low Earth Orbit satellite technology, such as the one operated by Starlink, represented a transformative opportunity for Zimbabwe’s underserved and marginalised communities.

“This will foster economic development in areas previously hindered by inadequate connectivity. We are gathered here today to witness the first launch of a properly licensed reseller partnership in the low earth orbit satellite technology realm in Zimbabwe.

“This is a momentous occasion as we are celebrating compliance with regulations in an era where disruptive technologies have created some chaos for regulators and policymakers alike,” she said.

“Improved connectivity through innovative technologies like Starlink can significantly improve economic development in Zimbabwe.

“For instance, as rural communities gain access to reliable internet, they can overcome barriers to online learning, smart farming, and telemedicine services among others.

“By fostering an environment where technology and community needs align, Zimbabwe can better prepare for future challenges while enhancing the overall quality of life,” she said.

President Mnangagwa is on record saying the prioritisation of the digital economy and the emerging importance of technology in “our day-to-day activities requires the Government to lead from the front in providing an environment where investment in technology is promoted”.-herald