Responding to the directive from the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), Starlink has issued a warning to illegal users in the country, indicating that it will disable its roaming service.
In an email notification, Starlink labeled Zimbabwe as an “unauthorized territory” for SpaceX’s satellite Internet service, as the country has yet to approve it as an official provider.
Despite Zimbabwe’s prohibition of Starlink, some residents continue to utilize its regional or global roaming service, facilitated by kits purchased and shipped from countries where it is legal, such as Mozambique, Rwanda, Zambia, and Kenya.
Citing its Terms of Service, Starlink clarified that the availability of its Mobile or Mobile Priority Services plans is contingent upon regulatory approval by host countries, among other factors.
While assuring individuals and businesses in Zimbabwe of its commitment to work closely with POTRAZ for regulatory licensing, Starlink emphasized the necessity of maintaining a positive relationship with the regulator during the ongoing approval process.
Starlink pledged to reinstate service and inform Zimbabwean users once it secures regulatory approvals from POTRAZ, offering the option to temporarily suspend service and billing in the interim.
To facilitate regulatory approval, Starlink encouraged users to engage with POTRAZ directly through email or phone communication.
The announcement follows POTRAZ’s warning three months earlier regarding collaboration with law enforcement to apprehend individuals and businesses involved in the use, distribution, and advertising of Starlink Internet services equipment in Zimbabwe.
In response to the crackdown, some Zimbabweans have resorted to disguising Starlink kits as everyday items like outdoor lighting or solar panels to evade detection and continue usage despite the ban.
Zimbabwe joins a list of African countries where Starlink has ceased roaming services at the government’s request, following a similar action in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in March 2024.