malvernmugadzikwa
Martin Kadzere
ZIMBABWE’S internet landscape is on the cusp of a major transformation with the arrival of Starlink, a satellite internet service provider owned by Mr Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
The technology promises to address several longstanding issues plaguing internet access in the country, potentially unlocking significant economic and social benefits.
While fibre optic cables offer potential for very fast internet speeds, their deployment in Zimbabwe faces significant challenges, one of them being the building and maintenance of the infrastructure, which is expensive.
Cable theft, often targeting copper but damaging fibre in the process, further inflates maintenance costs.
Fibre optic networks are virtually non-existent in rural areas and townships, leaving a large portion of the population without access to high-speed internet.
Even in urban areas, the cost of extending fibre optic cables to individual homes can be prohibitive. Unlike traditional mobile network operators (MNOs), with their often-prohibitive data plans, Starlink offers uncapped internet access at a potentially lower monthly cost.
“This could be a game-changer for small businesses, which currently face high internet bills with limited data allowances,” said Mr Terrence Rukodzi, a South Africa-based telecommunications consultant.
“Starlink’s potential for uncapped data and potentially lower costs could be a major boost for entrepreneurs.
“Imagine a small business owner in Harare or Bulawayo being able to conduct video conferences with international clients, upload large files to the cloud, or run online marketing campaigns without worrying about exceeding their data cap.
“This could level the playing field for Zimbabwean businesses and allow them to compete more effectively in the global marketplace.”
Proponents of Starlink say the service boasts significantly faster internet speeds compared to what MNOs currently offer. The boost in bandwidth will allow businesses to operate more efficiently, enabling activities like video conferencing and cloud storage to be done with ease, experts say.
Traditional internet infrastructure in Zimbabwe is vulnerable to disruptions caused by copper or fibre theft.
Starlink, however, utilises a constellation of low-earth orbit satellites, eliminating reliance on ground infrastructure and ensuring minimal downtime.
“Affordable and fast internet access empowers young Zimbabweans to participate in the digital economy. The ability to access online resources and courses can foster the creation of tech startups and foster innovation within the youth demographic,” Mr Lazarus Muchenje, a digital expert and former NetOne chief executive officer, said.
Starlink requires no trench digging or extensive infrastructure setup, making it immediately available nationwide, regardless of location — village, township or suburb. It spreads infrastructure costs across a global customer base, allowing it to offer potentially lower prices compared to MNOs, burdened by energy consumption and heavy infrastructure upkeep.
A senior executive of a local internet service company said the coming in of Starlink will disrupt the current operations or business models.
He said this would largely affect internet service providers (ISPs), internet access providers and organisations that are pushing the internet to a wider range of consumers.
“Players are likely to suffer from Starlink, particularly the fixed ISPs, which supply wired infrastructure services to the customer . . .
“Starlink’s approach is more consumer-centric from what we understand, so the consumer market would grab on to this and there will be swap-out of current services from ISPs, fixed telcos to satellite-based solutions,” said the executive.
He said the existing licensed operators would face increased competition from Starlink, which could lead to a decline in market share and revenue.
As a result, some companies may be forced to restructure their workforces to adapt to the changing market landscape.
While Starlink promises high speeds, telecoms engineers have raised potential concern.
They said satellite internet could be susceptible to overcrowding. As more people subscribe and share the available bandwidth, the promised speeds and overall quality of service might decline.
In addition, some concerns have also been raised regarding the initial cost of Starlink user kits.
While long-term savings are projected, the initial investment might act as a hurdle for some users.
“To ensure that rural communities and disadvantaged youths benefit, it would be advisable if the Government was to subsidise the initial cost of the equipment,” said Mr Muchenje.
The average cost of a Starlink kit is around US$600.
“I don’t think the rural community will be able to purchase it if not assisted by the Government.
“So, I see advantages to rural schools, clinics, where the physical fibre infrastructure will be difficult to reach,” said another industry executive.
Mr Muchenje noted that the long-term environmental impact of the vast satellite constellation needs further evaluation.
However, he said the benefits derived from using Starlink outweigh any potential long-term environmental concerns, especially when viewed “in light of the fact that technology is evolving so rapidly that using artificial intelligence, technology companies will ensure that the environmental effects are minimised over time”.
Starlink’s reach extends beyond Zimbabwe.
The company is forging partnerships across Africa to expand its service offerings.
A Nigerian lifestyle and information technology distributor TD Group is retailing Starlink residential kits throughout Nigeria.
Jumia, Africa’s leading e-commerce platform, is exploring the possibility of offering Starlink kits across the continent.
Paratus Group, a Zambian telecommunications provider, is distributing Starlink internet solutions in approved African countries. Mirroring this approach, the Government has appointed IMC, a local company, as Starlink’s official partner in the country, while its application is being processed.
“With the licensing of Starlink, Zimbabwe is collaborating with a company that is part of a group that is defining the future of the human race in terms of space exploration and intergalactic human presence with SpaceX, and the use of technology to support humans with medical conditions with Neuralink, and, of course, Starlink itself, with the intention of bringing global connectivity and affordable prices to everyone,” said Mr Muchenje.
“Zimbabweans will benefit greatly from the introduction of Starlink in the country.”
Online Reporter