Zimbabwe has mandated that Starlink agents, dealers, and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) must be cleared by the government. 

The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) explained that this condition applies to all existing and prospective ISPs and network operators. 

POTRAZ granted Starlink Zimbabwe (Pvt) Ltd two licences last Friday: a telecommunications licence for network services and a national Internet Services Provider licence. 

This license stack authorises Starlink to provide Internet services throughout Zimbabwe using its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network. 

The regulatory body has now issued a stern warning, saying that the sale or distribution of Starlink user terminals without proper authorisation and clearance is a criminal offence.

Meanwhile, POTRAZ said it “is convinced that the addition of the LEO technology layer onto the Zimbabwean ecosystem of network technologies would enhance ubiquitous and meaningful broadband connectivity throughout Zimbabwe. Connecting the unconnected and bridging the digital divide remain key priorities for Zimbabwe, as we journey towards vision 2030.”