Elon Musk’s internet connectivity company, Starlink, is facing difficulties in Africa, as the Zimbabwean government has ordered the company to cease operations there. This is according to an email sent by the corporation to its customers throughout the country.
The company stated in the mail that the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) had ordered it to shut down its services.
However, the business stated that it will continue cooperating with the regulator to get the required regulatory licenses to launch Starlink services in Zimbabwe as soon as possible.
It also encourages users to contact the POTRAZ and express their support for Starlink to help convince the regulator to award the necessary regulatory approvals in Zimbabwe.
“You are now using Starlink in unauthorised territory.
The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) has directed Starlink to turn off your service. As stated in your Terms of Service, Starlink cannot guarantee when or where its Mobile or Mobile Priority Services Plans will be available.
The use of such services is contingent on various conditions, including acquiring or retaining the relevant regulatory clearances, which are subject to change,” the email stated.
Elon Musk’s Starlink has faced challenges in various parts of Africa as it seeks to expand its presence across the continent. While it was quickly adopted in countries such as Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, it has faced challenges in South Africa, where the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), the country’s telecoms regulator, has ordered IT Lec, the sole importer of Starlink kits, to halt imports.
Although SpaceX, the creator of Starlink, has yet to obtain an operational license, IT LEC discovered a workaround for its customers.
However, the ISP has been warned to cease this workaround in a harshly worded notification from the ICASA.
Its most recent backlash occurred in Botswana, where the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) officially barred importing, using, and selling its kits and services.
The prohibition also warned of legal ramifications for those who defied it. On February 2, 2024, BOCRA rejected Starlink’s application to operate in Botswana, citing the company’s failure to comply with all standards.
In an email, BOCRA stated that Starlink has not approved any firm to import or resale its Internet kits in Botswana.
Offenders will commit an offence, although the charges have yet to be revealed.
The company also faced regulatory issues in Ghana, while Ghanaian officials told the public that it would award the internet company a license after all regulatory standards were met.
