Starlink has officially sold out in Zimbabwe, creating a significant buzz in the country’s internet market. Elon Musk’s satellite-based broadband service became unavailable just two months after receiving regulatory approval to operate. The service, which sold out in Harare, mirrors its success in five Nigerian cities: Abuja, Kano, Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Warri. Both Nigeria and Zimbabwe are currently the only African nations where Starlink terminals have sold out completely.
Soaring Demand for High-Speed Internet
The demand for Starlink terminals in Zimbabwe surged after the company was granted an operating permit in early September 2024. Customers, eager to experience high-speed internet connectivity, began ordering terminals directly from Starlink’s website. This bypassed the local street market that had previously sold the equipment at inflated prices. The collapse of this reseller market is evidence of Starlink’s dominance and affordability.
Starlink’s entry into Zimbabwe has also shaken up the local internet service provider (ISP) market. In response to the increasing competition, Zimbabwean ISPs have begun slashing their prices in a bid to retain customers. Starlink’s ability to offer broadband through a constellation of over 5,500 satellites, launched by SpaceX since 2019, has changed the game, and local providers are scrambling to keep up.
Read More: Telcos Release Adjusted Tariffs in Zimbabwe as Authorities Approve
Starlink Expansion and Future Prospects
Although Starlink has sold out in Zimbabwe, its presence in other parts of Africa is still limited. The service is not yet available in South Africa, although discussions with the country’s communication minister, Solly Malatsi, suggest that it may arrive soon. With over 2.6 million customers globally, Starlink’s growth in Africa signals a shift in how internet access is delivered, particularly in underserved areas.
As Starlink continues to expand, its impact on internet accessibility and pricing across Africa will likely continue to grow.
