Starlink’s Musk steals UN thunder

SIFISO MAPURANGA

Global leaders lined up to meet Starlink boss Elon Musk at the on-going United Nations General Assembly in New York as excitement and expectations grow higher amid hope of the service provider’s ability to change lives through affordable internet provision.

Several global leaders have embraced Starlink and this was shown by the endorsement shown through meetings between Musk and several African leaders among them South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, Namibia’s Nangolo Mumba, Lesotho’s  Sam Matakane and Italy’s Giorgia Meloni among many others.

Zimbabwe’s Emmerson Mnangagwa was however unavailable and could also have met Musk given his government’s excitement to have Starlink.

Mnangagwa failed to attend the UNGA citing a tight schedule he has been engaged in.

Back home, Ministry of Information, Technology, Postal and Courier Services (ICT) Minister Dr Tatenda Mavetera said the coming in of Starlink is essential in improving network connectivity and contributes immensely to the country’s economic development.

She said the internet service provider will assist the government in bridging the internet gap in grassroots and marginalized areas, particularly enhancing e-learning in schools in the rural areas.

She was speaking during the Aura Group Pvt Ltd Starlink reseller official launch in Harare.

“Introducing Low Earth Orbit satellite technology, such as that employed by Starlink, represents a transformative opportunity for Zimbabwe’s underserved and marginalized communities. This will foster economic development in areas previously hindered by inadequate connectivity.

Improved connectivity through innovative technologies like Starlink can significantly economic development in Zimbabwe,” Mavetera said.

Aura Group Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Samuelle Dimairo said solar power based solutions shall be provided for the Starlink internet kit in order to effectively provide internet services in the rural areas despite power challenges.

Meanwhile, Powertel, a subsidiary of ZESA Holdings said it is unfazed with the coming in of Starlink in the country saying it is able to match the speed and the affordability of the new player.

Starlink has hit the market by storm sending most operators into panic but Acting Powertel Managing Director Willard Nyagwande said the internet provider, which operates an optic fibre backbone network, stands ready for competition and is not panicking.