Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, providing high-speed internet access to remote and underserved areas around the world. Starlink is officially available in Zimbabwe, having launched in the country in September 2024.
To check if Starlink is available in your area, you can visit the Starlink website and enter your address. If your address is not yet covered by Starlink, you can sign up for the waitlist to be notified when service becomes available. Note that as of July 2025, Zimbabwe is the only African market where Starlink's availability is restricted, largely due to capacity limitations, particularly in urban areas like Harare.
Once Starlink is available, you can order a Starlink kit, which includes a Starlink Dish, Starlink Router, and all necessary cables and mounting hardware. The Starlink Dish is a small, flat dish that is mounted on your roof or in your yard. The Starlink Router is a Wi-Fi router that connects your devices to the Starlink network.
Starlink offers a variety of pricing plans, including residential packages. The Standard Package costs US50 per month with hardware at US350, offering speeds up to 200 Mbps. The Mini Package costs US30 per month with hardware at US200, providing speeds up to 100 Mbps. Both packages offer unlimited data. There is also a one-time shipping fee of US$23. Starlink has also introduced installment plans for the Mini Kit.
Starlink is a promising new option for internet access in Zimbabwe. It offers high-speed internet access to remote and underserved areas, where traditional internet service providers may not be available. Starlink is also a relatively affordable option, especially when compared to the cost of VSAT internet.
Benefits of Starlink in Zimbabwe
Starlink could offer a number of benefits to Zimbabwe, including:
Increased internet access, Starlink could provide high-speed internet access to remote and underserved areas of Zimbabwe, which could help to bridge the digital divide.
Improved education, Starlink could provide students and teachers with access to online educational resources, which could help to improve the quality of education in Zimbabwe.
Enhanced economic activity, Starlink could provide businesses with access to reliable and high-speed internet, which could help to boost economic activity in Zimbabwe.
Improved healthcare, Starlink could provide healthcare providers with access to online medical resources and telemedicine services, which could help to improve the quality of healthcare in Zimbabwe.
Challenges of Starlink in Zimbabwe
There are also a few challenges that Starlink may face in Zimbabwe, including:
Regulatory approval, Starlink has obtained regulatory approval from the Zimbabwean government and is licensed to provide services through its local partner, IMC Communications (Pvt) Ltd.
Affordability, Starlink kits are relatively expensive, and while monthly plans are competitive, the initial hardware cost may be prohibitive for some Zimbabweans. Installment plans have been introduced to address this.
Power outages, Zimbabwe is prone to power outages, which could disrupt Starlink service.
Capacity limitations, As of July 2025, Zimbabwe is the only African market where Starlink's availability is restricted, particularly in urban areas, due to capacity limitations. This has led to reports of slower speeds in some areas.
Conclusion
Starlink is a promising new option for internet access in Zimbabwe. It offers high-speed internet access to remote and underserved areas, where traditional internet service providers may not be available. Starlink is also a relatively affordable option, especially when compared to the cost of VSAT internet. However, there are also a few challenges that Starlink may face in Zimbabwe, including capacity limitations and power outages. It remains to be seen how Starlink will address these challenges, but it is clear that Starlink has the potential to make a significant impact on internet access and development in Zimbabwe.