Zimbabwe’s Information Communication Technology minister Tatenda Mavetera says delays in licensing internet service providers to distribute Starlink products to ensure high-speed and low-cost connectivity in the country has been on account of the due diligence process.
Government has so licensed three internet service providers, Zodsat, TelOne and Aura Group, to provide Starlink services.
Matevera yesterday officiated at the launch of Aura, a Starlink reseller.
The partnership with Starlink, a division of the world’s richest man Elon Musk’s SpaceX, will enable Aura to distribute satellite kits.
Matevera said the licensing of internet service providers to be Starlink resellers will not stop other players from entering the market as there is no exclusivity.Aura has various interests in capital markets, financial and investment services, ICT, mining, commodities, manufacturing, farming and agro-processing, logistics and distribution as well as real estate and consultancy.
Addressing journalists at the launch of Aura’s launch in Harare, Matevera said the government plans to license additional Starlink service providers.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s crony, dodgy businessman Wicknell Chivayo, wanted to use his political connections to secure an exclusive licence to become a Starlink service provider.
