Zimbabwean authorities are reportedly threatening to arrest anyone who sells or uses Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service.
Starlink, owned by SpaceX, covers more than 60 countries and has operations in several African countries, including Nigeria, Mozambique, Zambia, Kenya and Malawi.
But in Zimbabwe, Starlink is banned by the government because internet connectivity degrades once you leave the capital, Harare, leaving people in rural areas without basic access to communications.
Starlink is prohibited in Zimbabwe as it does not allow the use of unlicensed telecommunications providers.
The Zimbabwe Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (Potraz), South Africa’s counterpart to Icasa, the telecommunications regulator, has threatened to arrest individuals and companies found distributing or promoting Starlink equipment.
State intelligence website H-Metro announced last week that Potraz would carry out nationwide raids to confront those who may have set up the internet network.
Although Starlink has not yet been approved by regulators, the service kit is being promoted on social media platforms such as Facebook and being distributed in the country.
Potraz officials say police have arrested two criminals in Victoria Falls and Bulawayo who are awaiting trial. The official reiterated that the sale or use of Starlink’s services is illegal anywhere in Zimbabwe and that the regulator will carry out police raids to arrest people and businesses that violate regulations.
‘Un authorized’ Starlink
Starlink is prohibited in Zimbabwe as it does not allow the use of unlicensed telecommunications providers. Regulators say the frequencies Starlink uses could interfere with other services, and Starlink must wait for approval and follow proper processes before starting operations. .
According to Zimbabwean technology website Techzim, “The only solid information we have about this service in Zimbabwe is from Dandem Tande (an internet service provider) who announced a partnership to provide the service this year. ” But they
Also in South Africa, Icasa warned that the import and use of Starlink equipment in the country was “illegal” and must stop. Starlink does not have a license to operate in South Africa, Icasa stressed last November.
It is unclear why Starlink did not apply for a license, but speculation centers on the requirement that the licensee must own at least 30% of the shares held by historically disadvantaged people. This is a requirement of Icasa regulations.
Mr Acasa said the public should refrain from purchasing or operating equipment provided by companies that are not licensed to operate in South Africa. All devices must be “type approved” by regulatory authorities before they can be sold and legally used within national borders.
“Devices that are not type approved run the risk of causing harmful interference in the radio frequency spectrum. Additionally, there is no dissonance between devices operating in the same environment, resulting in the devices becoming inoperable.” Additionally, devices that are not type approved may explode or explode, potentially harming consumers.”
Furthermore, devices that are not type approved may explode or detonate, posing a risk to consumers.”