Starlink Sells Out in Harare: A Wake-Up Call for Local ISPs

In a significant development today, SpaceX's Starlink has officially marked Harare and surrounding areas as "sold out." Effective immediately, new customers looking to access Starlink’s satellite internet service in Zimbabwe’s capital will be unable to place orders. Instead, they’ll have to join a waitlist as SpaceX works to expand capacity. 

For new users, getting connected again hinges on several factors:

• The launch of additional Starlink satellites to improve coverage.
• Network upgrades and optimizations to handle more users.
• Natural churn from existing customers freeing up available spots.

This marks a pivotal moment for internet services in Zimbabwe. Starlink’s rapid uptake in Harare speaks volumes about the state of local internet service providers (ISPs). For years, ISPs have struggled to provide reliable, affordable connectivity to Zimbabweans. Enter Starlink, offering high-speed, low-latency satellite internet, and it’s clear locals have jumped at the chance for a better option. In a relatively short span, the satellite internet provider has reached capacity in one of Zimbabwe’s largest cities.

The big takeaway here? Local ISPs are being outpaced. If Zimbabwean telecom operators had been providing reliable internet at competitive prices, Starlink wouldn’t have sold out so quickly. This situation starkly highlights how underserved the local market has been.

Starlink’s entry into Zimbabwe was already seen as a game-changer, but selling out in Harare so swiftly should act as a wake-up call. Zimbabwe’s internet infrastructure has long been plagued by slow speeds, frequent outages, and inconsistent coverage. 

What’s Next for Harare and Starlink?
Harare’s residents are now looking toward SpaceX’s next moves to re-open Starlink availability. In the short term, that means waiting for more satellite launches or network tweaks. However, this also presents a significant opportunity for local ISPs to rethink their strategies. The demand is clearly there, and with the right infrastructure investments and competitive pricing, there’s potential to win back frustrated customers who’ve been relying on subpar connections for too long.

It’s a delicate balance for Zimbabwe’s ISPs. With Starlink proving there’s a massive appetite for quality internet—even at a premium—there’s never been a better time for local operators to step up. Price isn’t the only factor either; speed, uptime, and customer service are key components of success in this competitive market.

But the window to act is shrinking. As soon as SpaceX launches more satellites and boosts capacity, Harare’s waitlist will shrink.

A Global Trend Reaching Zimbabwe
Starlink’s sold-out status in Harare mirrors what’s happening in other parts of the world. From the U.S. to Europe, high demand for the service has forced SpaceX to create waitlists in areas where capacity is maxed out. For a country like Zimbabwe, where internet accessibility has been inconsistent at best, Starlink’s success underscores a universal need for better connectivity.

It also signals the growing influence of satellite internet in traditionally underserved markets. Countries across Africa are being introduced to the service, with more on the way as SpaceX expands its satellite constellation. The question now is whether local players will rise to the challenge or continue to cede ground to global giants like Starlink.

With Harare sold out, eyes are now on the next steps SpaceX will take to address this capacity issue, while local ISPs scramble to remain relevant in a market that is clearly hungry for better internet solutions.