In a surprising move for many, Zimbabwe just like South Africa has prohibited ownership or distribution of Starlink services and equipment around the country, the popular satellite internet service provided by Elon Musks SpaceX indicating that it is not yet licensed to operate in the country and is a threat to national security. This decision has sent shockwaves through the nation, as it not only restricts access to reliable and affordable internet connectivity but also imposes severe legal consequences for those found in possession of Starlink equipment.

The popular satellite internet service made the buzz last year after it was reviewed it had filed for an application to operate in the country due to its potential to revolutionize Zimbabwe's digital landscape, offering reliable internet access through its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to the country's remote areas that have traditionally been lacking in infrastructure.

Laying fiber optic cables or building traditional infrastructure is cost-prohibitive. Hence this makes it particularly promising for the country with large rural populations which is lagging behind as far as internet connectivity is concerned.The ban on Starlink further exacerbates this issue, depriving Zimbabweans of an alternative means of accessing global internet services further widening the digital divide, reinforcing existing inequalities and hindering progress in education, commerce, and communication.

The ban comes with strict legal ramifications for individuals found in possession of Starlink equipment. Owning or using Starlink in Zimbabwe is now considered a criminal offence, with penalties ranging from hefty fines to imprisonment. The government has made it clear that it will actively enforce the ban, conducting raids and investigations to identify and prosecute violators.

“It’s not allowed to sell or use Starlink in Zimbabwe and police will be mounting raids and arrests soon,” said a Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) official.

The government's determination to enforce the prohibition is evident, however implementing the ban may prove challenging as the service has already made its way into the country. The decentralized nature of Starlink's satellite internet service, which relies on a global constellation of satellites, presents hurdles for authorities seeking to track down users. Additionally, the widespread availability of Starlink equipment on the black market may undermine the government's efforts to stamp out its usage.

Zimbabwe's decision to prohibit Starlink and criminalize its ownership has sparked a heated debate within the country. While the government maintains that the ban is necessary for national security and control over information, many argue that it stifles connectivity, reinforces the digital divide, and infringes on individual freedoms. As the situation unfolds, we will keep a close eye on its impact on Zimbabwe's internet landscape and the response from citizens.