Starlink, the satellite internet service that has gained popularity for its high-speed connectivity, is now officially marked as “sold out” in Harare and its surrounding areas, including Norton, Ruwa, and Chitungwiza. This development has left many residents who were hoping to sign up for the service disappointed and without clear options for high-speed internet access.
Individuals attempting to register for Starlink in these areas are greeted with the message: “Starlink Residential is not available in your area. Enter your email below to be notified about future availability and product updates.” This notice indicates that Starlink is currently at capacity, which means no new customers can join until more connections become available. While existing customers in Harare and nearby towns can continue using the service without interruption, new users are left in the lurch. The limitation on availability is not confined to Harare alone. Other nearby areas that are also affected include:
– Norton
– Ruwa
– Chitungwiza
– Mazowe
– Nyabira
– Arcturus
– Epworth
– Melfort
– Goromonzi
With no clear timeline from Starlink regarding when new connections might be offered, residents are left uncertain about their internet options moving forward. For those who have missed out on Starlink, alternative internet options are available. Local providers like Econet’s SmartBiz, Liquid, and TelOne offer a variety of internet packages that could meet the needs of users while they await potential future availability of Starlink. These options can provide varying speeds and pricing, catering to different user preferences and budgets.
Additionally, Starlink’s Roam service provides another avenue for connectivity. This service allows customers to use their satellite internet in locations outside of Harare. By signing up using an address in another town, users can potentially move the Starlink equipment to Harare. However, users should be aware that the Roam service does come with limitations, especially in congested urban areas like Harare, where internet speeds can be negatively impacted by high demand.
The frustration among Starlink users has been evident, particularly regarding the reliability and speed of the service. One user expressed their disappointment, saying, “The internet speeds are getting worse, and it doesn’t seem to be improving at all. I’ve been frustrated for weeks.” Such feedback underscores the challenges faced by users, especially as the Roam service may not prioritize these new users, leading to even slower connection speeds.
As Starlink grapples with capacity issues, residents who missed out on signing up are left to consider their options. While there is an opportunity to register for updates from Starlink, the company has not provided any definitive timeline for when more connections might become available.
The situation is particularly pressing given the growing demand for reliable internet access in Zimbabwe, where many individuals and businesses rely on high-speed internet for work and communication. As Starlink continues to expand its infrastructure globally, there is hope that more capacity will open up for new customers in the future.
The current “sold out” status of Starlink in Harare and surrounding areas highlights the increasing demand for satellite internet services in Zimbabwe. While existing customers can continue to benefit from the service, many prospective users face uncertainty. Exploring local internet providers and considering the Roam service are viable alternatives for those seeking connectivity in the interim. As the landscape of internet access evolves, the hope remains that Starlink will soon be able to accommodate more customers, alleviating the connectivity challenges faced by many in the region.
In other news – Zimbabwe in talks with South Africa over deportation concerns
The Zimbabwean government is currently in discussions with South Africa regarding the fate of its citizens facing potential deportation following the expiration of their permits. This development comes in response to recent statements by South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister, Leon Schreiber, who revealed to Parliament that the government has spent approximately R53,817,656 on deporting undocumented immigrants, the majority of whom are Zimbabweans.
According to reports, South Africa has deported around 19,750 undocumented immigrants recently, with Zimbabweans representing the largest group among them, followed by nationals from Malawi, Tanzania, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Read More
