Online Reporter
Jacqueline Ntaka, Feature
THE latest figures from the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) paint a rather stark picture for Zimbabwe’s fibre internet providers. The arrival of Starlink has not just ruffled feathers; it’s causing a proper kerfuffle, and if local players don’t pull their socks up sharpish, they might find themselves in a spot of bother – a rather deep one, at that.
The numbers don’t lie, do they? To see Starlink, in a mere three months, snaffle up a quarter of all fibre subscriptions is frankly astonishing. 20 000 subscribers by the end of last year, and likely double that now? That’s a seismic shift in the landscape. It’s a clear signal that Zimbabwean consumers are hungry for alternatives, and Starlink, despite any initial capacity issues in Harare, is clearly delivering something that the established fibre providers aren’t quite hitting the mark on.
The writing is on the wall, plain as day. If Starlink manages to expand its capacity — and let’s be honest, they’ve shown they’re not ones to twiddle their thumbs — they could very well overtake the entire fibre market this year.
That’s a sobering thought for companies that have been laying cable and building infrastructure for years.
So, what’s the remedy? Complacency is a luxury these fibre firms can no longer afford. It’s high time for a serious rethink, a proper strategy overhaul, if they want to stay in the game. Below is a bit of free advice, for what it’s worth.
First and foremost, the price point needs a good hard look. Starlink, while perhaps not the cheapest option on paper (we counting all the costs involved in setting it up), clearly offers a value proposition that many Zimbabweans find appealing. Local fibre providers need to seriously consider their pricing structures and find ways to become more competitive. Perhaps tiered packages offering different speeds at more accessible prices? Bundling services? Get creative, lads!
Secondly, service levels need a significant boost. We’ve all heard the tales of sluggish speeds, unreliable connections, and customer service that leaves a lot to be desired. Starlink’s appeal isn’t just about speed; it’s about a perceived reliability and a certain level of technological prowess. Fibre providers need to invest in their infrastructure, ensure consistent speeds, and, crucially, provide responsive and helpful customer support. Nobody enjoys being left on hold for hours or dealing with engineers who don’t turn up.
Thirdly, it’s time to shout from the rooftops. Marketing efforts need to be ramped up significantly. What are the unique advantages of local fibre? Are there benefits that Starlink can’t offer? These need to be clearly articulated and promoted effectively across various channels. Perhaps highlighting local support, faster response times for physical installations or repairs, or even community-focused initiatives?
Finally, innovation is key. What new services or features can fibre providers offer to sweeten the deal? Are there opportunities for smart home integration, bundled entertainment packages, or other value-added services that Starlink might not be focusing on?
Without a doubt, the game is on, and Starlink has laid down a serious challenge. Zimbabwe’s fibre internet providers have a choice: adapt, innovate, and compete fiercely, or risk being relegated to the sidelines. The time for half-measures is over. It’s time to step up, offer better value for money, improve service delivery, and make a compelling case for why Zimbabwean consumers should stick with local fibre. Otherwise, the Starlink juggernaut will continue its march, and the local players might just find themselves out of business. And that, as they say, would be a crying shame.
l Jacqueline Ntaka is the CEO of Mviyo Technologies, a local tech company that provides custom software development, mobile applications and data analytics solutions. She can be contacted on [email protected]
