Starlink, a satellite internet provider owned by SpaceX, has disabled its service in Zimbabwe after being directed to do so by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ). POTRAZ is the government agency responsible for regulating the country’s telecommunications sector.
Starlink users in Zimbabwe have received emails from the company informing them that their service is being disabled because Starlink does not have the necessary regulatory approvals to operate in the country. The email also encourages users to contact POTRAZ to communicate their support for Starlink to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals.
Starlink says it is working with POTRAZ to obtain the necessary approvals and that it will resume service in Zimbabwe as soon as possible. However, it is not clear when or if this will happen.
This is not the first time that Starlink has been forced to disable service in a country. In February of this year, Starlink reportedly deactivated what was estimated to be between 300 and 400 devices in South Africa. The deactivated accounts were deemed to be “improperly” operating as they were being provided by an unofficial third party.
The Zimbabwean government’s decision to shut down Starlink is likely due to concerns about regulating the internet. The government has a history of cracking down on dissent, and it may be worried that Starlink could provide Zimbabweans with access to uncensored information.
The shutdown of Starlink is a blow to internet freedom in Zimbabwe. Starlink is a relatively new company, but it has already established itself as a major player in the global satellite internet market. Starlink’s service is faster and more affordable than traditional satellite internet, and it has the potential to provide internet access to people in remote areas who are currently unserved.
The Zimbabwean government’s decision to shut down Starlink is likely to have a negative impact on the country’s economy. Starlink could have provided Zimbabwe with much-needed investment and jobs. It could also have helped to bridge the digital divide in the country.
The Zimbabwean government should reconsider its decision to shut down Starlink. Starlink is a valuable resource that could benefit Zimbabwe in a number of ways. The government should work with Starlink to find a way to regulate the service in a way that is fair and transparent.
