Starlink runs out of capacity amid soaring demand
CLOUDINE MATOLA AND SAMANTHA MADE
Starlink, the world’s largest satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, has already reached its service capacity in Harare and Bulawayo just months after launching operations in Zimbabwe, the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) has revealed.
The surge in demand has been driven by widespread dissatisfaction with local internet service providers, who are often criticised for high costs, limited coverage, and inconsistent connectivity.
Starlink’s promise of high-speed internet access across both urban and rural areas has made it an attractive alternative for consumers and businesses alike.
Speaking at the Business Times’ Zimbabwe Annual Telecommunications Conference and Exhibition last week, POTRAZ Manager for Networks and Standards, Hasha Myambo, confirmed that Starlink is no longer accepting new subscriptions in the country’s two largest cities.
“Following the licensing of Starlink last year, demand in Harare and Bulawayo skyrocketed almost immediately, resulting in the network reaching full capacity in a short period of time,” Myambo said. “Currently, they are not onboarding any new customers in these areas. Surprisingly, even surrounding towns such as Murombedzi, Murewa and Bindura are already affected, which speaks to the rapid uptake and capacity limitations.”
To address the issue, Starlink is reportedly in the process of launching additional satellites to expand global capacity. However, Myambo cautioned that the impact of these efforts will not be immediate.
“Starlink is working on deploying more satellites into orbit to increase capacity, but the benefits will only be realised over time. Satellite expansion is a long-term solution, not an instant fix,” he said.
Myambo also highlighted POTRAZ’s broader objective of fostering a competitive and innovative telecommunications environment in Zimbabwe.
He emphasised that the authority is focused on ensuring that competition among service providers translates into improved service quality and greater consumer choice.
“We aim to cultivate healthy competition in the sector. It’s not just about having multiple players, but ensuring that competition drives innovation and leads to tangible benefits for consumers,” he noted. “We have created a regulatory framework that encourages service providers to be responsive to market demand through innovation. This is critical for driving service uptake and improving access.”
The entry of Starlink into the local market has already begun to reshape the competitive landscape, raising the bar for service delivery and prompting existing players to reevaluate their value propositions.
However, the early capacity bottlenecks underscore the urgency of infrastructure investment to meet growing digital connectivity needs across Zimbabwe.
