President Emmerson Mnangagwa has approved licensing of internet service provider Starlink to start operating in Zimbabwe.
Starlink applied for the operating licence in April this year after the government had threatened to arrest people using unauthorised network service providers.
“The entry by Starlink in the digital telecommunications space in Zimbabwe is expected to result in the deployment of high speed, low cost, LEO internet infrastructure throughout Zimbabwe and particularly in all the rural areas. This will be in fulfilment of my Administration’s undertaking to leave no one and no place behind. The investment confidence expressed by Starlink in Zimbabwe’s telecommunications infrastructure also dovetails with the 2nd Republic’s mantra, “Zimbabwe is open for business”.
I encourage more investment by foreign conglomerates in Zimbabwe as we are an investment destination of choice. I take this opportunity, on behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe, to congratulate IMC Communications (Pvt) Ltd and Starlink on this commendable milestone aimed at revolutionizing the digital and communications technology landscape in Zimbabwe. Investments of this magnitude and strategic importance represent the cornerstone for achieving the 2nd Republic’s objective of having a fully digitalized, upper-middle income economy by 2030,” Mnangagwa wrote on his X formerly (Twitter) account.
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The licencing of Starlink comes after a public outcry by consumers who have been complaining over poor network services and exorbitant costs of internet services in the country.
President Mnangagwa also said:
“One of the strategic pillars that anchor the 2nd Republic’s developmental agenda under Vision 2030 is innovation, science and technology. Prioritization of the digital economy and the emerging importance of technology in our day to day activities require Government to lead from the front in providing an environment where investment in technology is promoted”