Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by Starlink Services, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of American aerospace company SpaceX, providing coverage to over 75 countries. It also aims to provide global mobile broadband.
SpaceX started launching Starlink satellites in 2019. As of early March 2024, it consists of over 6,000 mass-produced small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) that communicate with designated ground transceivers. Nearly 12,000 satellites are planned to be deployed, with a possible later extension to 34,400. SpaceX announced reaching more than 1 million subscribers in December 2022, 2 million subscribers in September 2023,and 3 million subscribers in May 2024
Starlink offers fast internet speeds of between 200 and 250 megabytes per second at a monthly cost of about US$100
Starlink is now available in Zimbabwe and these are the pricing options;
Pricing and Package Options
Starlink is offering two residential packages for Zimbabwean customers: Standard Package: US$50 per month and Mini Package: US$30 per month. Both packages provide unlimited data. The key differences are in the hardware and speeds:
Standard Package
- Hardware cost: US$350
- Speeds up to 200 Mbps
- Best for multiple users and high-bandwidth activities
Mini Package
- Hardware cost: US$200
- Speeds up to 100 Mbps
- Ideal for basic internet use and smaller households
There’s also a one-time shipping fee of US$23. This direct pricing from Starlink is significantly lower than earlier quotes from resellers. For example, Frampol, an approved Starlink reseller in Zimbabwe, had quoted US$460 for hardware. The lower direct prices make Starlink much more accessible to Zimbabwean consumers.
How to Order Your Starlink Kit
Ordering your Starlink equipment is a straightforward process. Visit http://starlink.com and go to orders. Enter your service address. Choose your preferred hardware option. Provide contact and payment details. Complete your order.
Starlink accepts various payment methods, including credit/debit cards and even EcoCash. For those who prefer to use EcoCash, you can utilise the EcoCash Virtual Card Number (VCN) service to make your Starlink payment. Here is s how:
Dial *151# on your mobile. Select “Wallet Services”. Choose “EcoCash Debit Card”. Select “EcoCash MasterCard Virtual”. Choose “Request Virtual Card (VCN)”. You’ll receive a message with a one-time virtual card number. Use this number as you would a regular credit card when ordering on the Starlink website. Remember, you will need a sufficient United States dollar balance in your EcoCash wallet to cover the full cost of your chosen Starlink package.
Activating Your Starlink Service
Once your equipment arrives (typically within 1-2 weeks), activation is simple: Download the Starlink app on your smartphone. Follow the in-app instructions to set up your dish. Connect your devices to your new Starlink WiFi network.
Coverage and Performance
Starlink’s satellite constellation provides coverage across all of Zimbabwe. However, service quality can vary slightly based on factors like: Line of sight to the sky; Surrounding obstacles (trees, tall buildings) and local weather conditions.
Most users can expect speeds between 50-200 Mbps, with latency around 20-40ms. This is a significant improvement over many existing internet options in Zimbabwe, especially in rural areas.