Starlink Finally Available in Zimbabwe

After a long and anticipated wait, Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, is finally available in Zimbabwe. This launch promises to bring high-speed, reliable internet to areas where traditional ISPs have struggled or failed to provide adequate coverage. For many Zimbabweans, particularly those in rural areas, this could mark the beginning of a new era of connectivity.

But what does this mean for you, the everyday internet user?

Starlink Pricing: What You Need to Know

Starlink is offering two packages in Zimbabwe: the Standard Kit and the Mini Kit. The Standard Kit, which includes a satellite dish and router, costs $350. The Mini Kit, designed for more compact setups, is priced at $200. Monthly subscriptions also differ based on the kit you choose. With the Standard Kit, you're looking at $50 per month, while the Mini Kit comes with a more affordable $30 per month subscription fee.

The pricing structure is in USD, unlike neighboring countries such as Botswana, where Starlink charges in local currency. This is likely due to Zimbabwe’s economic instability and fluctuating exchange rates. To make a purchase, you’ll need to head to Starlink.com, enter your address, and start the ordering process. Payments can be made using EcoCash, O’mari virtual cards, or Visa and MasterCard debit/credit cards from local banks.

The launch of Starlink poses a significant challenge to local ISPs. As a consumer with two existing connections—ZOL fiber, which costs $100 per month, and Utande LTE at $60 per month — I can already see the potential savings by switching to Starlink. For households like mine, Starlink offers a more affordable, high-speed alternative, especially when you consider that I can pay as little as $30 to $50 per month, depending on the kit.

More importantly, with Starlink’s coverage, areas that previously had no access to fiber or decent LTE service will now have a real chance to get online. This will not only increase competition among local ISPs but may also force them to lower their prices to stay competitive.

A Win for Consumers, A Boost for the Internet in Zimbabwe

What does this mean for you, the customer? In short, more choices and better pricing. We can expect to see local ISPs adjusting their rates to keep up with the competition. And that’s good news for all of us. It’s likely that the next few weeks will bring noticeable changes in Zimbabwe’s internet landscape. The entry of Starlink will push the boundaries of what’s possible, leading to faster, more widespread internet adoption across the country.

For now, if you’ve been frustrated with high prices or unreliable service from your current ISP, Starlink may be the solution you’ve been waiting for.