GOVT ENGAGES STARLINK newsdzeZimbabweNewsdzeZimbabwe

GOVT ENGAGES STARLINK newsdzeZimbabweNewsdzeZimbabwe

Zimbabwe has not licensed Starlink to sell its products “for security reasons” although many companies including parastatals and individuals are already using its services.

According to a reliable source close to the developments, discussions are currently underway between government representatives and officials from Starlink.

“The government is now bringing in Starlink and they are meeting officials from Starlink. You can confirm with the Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services [Tatenda] Mavitera for more information. “But she said it’s still a secret,” a source told NewsDay.

When asked about the latest government to flirt with Starlink, Mavitera said: “Can you wait a little while to write this story, call me tomorrow.” [today]There’s something I’m waiting for. Maybe by Wednesday [today]”I will be able to comment.”

But sources in the government NewsDay said the government’s latest stance comes after realizing it was fighting a losing battle amid the influx of Starlink devices into Zimbabwe.

Recently, former Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation CEO Adelaide Chikurongo was expelled from government over allegations that she acquired the state broadcaster’s Starlink Internet cluster, among other charges, despite the government’s stance on its illegitimacy.

Previously, ZBC used the Internet services LiveView and Aviwest for live broadcasting in rural areas where connectivity from local mobile network operators was non-existent.

The state broadcaster failed to fulfill its contractual obligations with LiveView and Aviwest Streamhub, cutting off streaming service and leaving authorities to choose Starlink as a stop-gap measure.

The Zimbabwe Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (Potraz) recently said Starlink had not applied for an operating licence.

The government’s moves to bring Starlink on board come despite a crackdown on those using the service. On February 22, Gurov-based Chinese mining company San He was fined US$700 by a Bindura judge for using Starlink equipment in violation of provisions of the Post and Telecommunications Act.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), San He’s illegal use of Starlink equipment came to light on December 5, 2023 when police received a report from Potraz.

Police went to the mine where they confiscated Starlink’s router and antenna.

Last week, Zambezi Boutique Private Limited, a Victoria Falls-based company, was fined $500 for unauthorized use of Starlink’s internet services.

According to NPAZ, the company was found guilty by a Victoria Falls judge of violating Postal and Communications Act Chapter 12:05, which prohibits “the possession, control or operation of a radio station without a radio station licence.”

Starlink is currently available in several African countries, including Nigeria, Mozambique, Zambia, Kenya and Malawi.

The main advantage of Starlink is that it provides faster speeds and lower latency in remote areas where satellite and cellular internet are the only options.

It is much cheaper, unlimited and faster than the services offered by local providers. Newsday




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