Victoria Falls firm fined for using StarLink Internet services
THE Victoria Falls magistrates court has fined a local company, Zambezi Boutique Private Limited, US$500 for using StarLink Satellite Internet services, which the Zimbabwe government is yet to licence.
It becomes the second company to be charged for using Starlink after a Chinese company, San He Mining was last month fined US$700 for using the same service.
Zambezi Boutique was charged for contravening chapter 12 of the Postal and Telecommunications Act, which prohibits “possession, control or operate a radio station without a radio station license.”
According to the National Prosecuting Authority, sometime in September 2023 the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz), received a tip off that the company was in possession of Star-link terminals. Acting on the tip off, a team from Potraz together with the police proceeded to the company premises, where they were led to the terminal connection located at the reception area.
The general manager of the company failed to produce a licence authorising them to possess, control or operate the equipment, which was forfeited to the State. — New Ziana
