By Beverly Bizeki
Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority Director (Potraz) Dr Gift Machengete recently said the network regulator was in the process of licensing satellite internet provider Starlink to start operating in Zimbabwe if it meets the requirements, after confirming receipt of the latter’s application.
If approved, the development will see Zimbabweans accessing faster internet connectivity, which is more desired.
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation constructed by SpaceX, an aerospace company founded by American technology tycoon Elon Musk, and has been making headlines as some Zimbabweans have been using it despite authorities saying it was yet to be licensed in the country.
Dr Machengete was responding to Parliamentarians who had asked the regulator why the country was not yet using satellite services like Starlink during an induction workshop for the joint portfolio committees on Information Communication Technologies Postal and Courier Services and Media and Broadcasting Services held at Clevers Hotel in Masvingo on May 12.
“There is nothing difficult at all on licensing Starlink. What we should be clear about is that as Potraz our licensing framework is technology-neutral.
“We do not care what type of technology you are bringing, what we care about is the service and we would want you to offer that service at the lowest possible rate but our licensing technique is not technology specific but is neutral,” said Dr Machengete.
Dr Machengete went on to say during the time when a lot of Zimbabweans were accusing the regulator for banning Starlink, the internet provider had not yet applied, but confirmed that it has applied now.
“We have no problem with licensing Starlink but there was a lot of talk that Potraz was resisting licensing Starlink which was not correct. That was a lie because at that time when people were saying that Starlink had not even applied. It would not have made sense for us to beg Starlink to apply because people were making noise.
“Right now Starlink has applied and we are processing their application so if they meet their obligations then they will be licensed like any other service provider because it is not the technology that they are bringing that matters. After all we already have others operating on VISAT which is also a satellite so it is nothing new,” said Dr Machengete.
Potraz also promised a better service to Zimbabweans stating the increased flow of foreign currency which will enable operators to procure equipment for upgrading their services.
“We are expecting network operators to improve because it seems foreign currency is now available. The challenge was on foreign currency for investments which had reduced of late hence they could not bring in new machines to upgrade systems and maintenance was even difficult,” said Dr Machengete.
Speaking at the same event, Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda implored the Ministry of ICT to thrive on new technologies to better the country’s economy, urging them to come up with proper legislation for using these technologies.
“This ministry has the power to drive the economy of Zimbabwe using Artificial Intelligence. There is need to come up with appropriate laws in line with new ICTs for national development, we need to come up with legislation that promotes the ease of doing business in the country,” said Adv. Mudenda.
