Starlink Now Available in Botswana, Zimbabwe Eagerly Awaits

Starlink, the satellite internet service from SpaceX, has officially landed in Botswana. Priced at USD360 for the hardware and USD50 per month for the subscription. While this is exciting news for our neighbors, the real buzz is about Starlink's imminent arrival in Zimbabwe, set to start from September 1st.

As Starlink prepares to launch in Zimbabwe, there are many questions on the minds of potential users. Will the prices be the same as in Botswana? Early indications suggest they might be. If so, Zimbabweans can expect to pay around $360 for the Starlink kit and $50 per month for the subscription. These prices might seem steep for some, but the promise of reliable, high-speed internet is tempting, especially in areas where traditional ISPs have struggled to provide consistent service.

One big unknown is how Starlink will handle currency in Zimbabwe. In Botswana, the service is sold in the local currency, but it's unclear if the same approach will be taken here or if Starlink will stick strictly to USD pricing. Given the complexities of Zimbabwe’s economic landscape, this could be a significant factor on the price of the hardware and subs.

The Ripple Effect on Local ISPs

The anticipation of Starlink's arrival has already begun to shake things up among Zimbabwe’s existing ISPs. In a preemptive move, Liquid Fiber introduced a more affordable unlimited data plan last month, signaling its intent to compete with the satellite-based newcomer. Econet has also jumped into the fray, rolling out Smartbiz lines with unlimited data for just $45 per month. These moves suggest that local ISPs are gearing up for a competitive battle to retain their customer base.

It’s worth noting that these price reductions and new offerings are not just about competing on cost. They reflect a broader strategy to keep customers loyal by enhancing value, especially as the market prepares for a new player that promises to bypass traditional infrastructure constraints entirely.

As we approach Starlink’s official launch in Zimbabwe, the landscape of internet service provision in the country is set to change dramatically. Whether Starlink will be sold in local currency or strictly in USD remains to be seen, but what’s clear is that competition among ISPs is heating up. This is good news for consumers who can look forward to more options and potentially better prices in the coming months. 

The next few weeks will be crucial as we see how Starlink’s entry reshapes the market. One thing is certain: the days of limited choices and high prices for internet services in Zimbabwe might soon be a thing of the past.