Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Zimeye
Published on 2024-03-12 19:13:53
The government of Zimbabwe has recently intensified its efforts to crack down on individuals and businesses using Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet services, sparking concerns about technology resistance in the country. Sources within the state security have revealed that surveillance teams have been deployed to strategic areas where the government suspects the use of this technology.
Starlink, a satellite internet service owned by SpaceX, has gained popularity in over 60 countries worldwide and is operational in several African countries, including Nigeria, Mozambique, Zambia, Kenya, and Malawi. However, in Zimbabwe, where internet connectivity is limited outside the capital city of Harare, leaving rural areas deprived of essential communication access, the government has taken a firm stance against Starlink.
The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz), equivalent to South Africa’s communications regulator Icasa, has issued warnings to individuals and businesses distributing and advertising Starlink equipment. Despite not being licensed by the regulator, Starlink service kits have been promoted on social media platforms like Facebook and distributed within the country.
In a move to enforce their ban on Starlink, Potraz has threatened to carry out nationwide raids to apprehend individuals and businesses found using the internet network. According to government-owned information website H-Metro, police have already arrested two violators in Victoria Falls and Bulawayo, with their cases awaiting judicial hearings. An official from Potraz reiterated the illegality of selling or using Starlink services in Zimbabwe and warned of further police raids to enforce compliance with the regulation.
The restrictive stance on technology in Zimbabwe has raised concerns about accessibility to essential communication services, especially in rural areas where internet connectivity is limited. The government’s crackdown on Starlink users reflects a broader resistance to technological advancements that could potentially benefit the country’s population.
TechCentral reported on the ongoing developments regarding the government’s efforts to target Starlink users in Zimbabwe, highlighting the implications for individuals and businesses using the satellite internet service. The resistance to technology like Starlink by the government underscores the challenges faced by the country in embracing innovative solutions to improve communication infrastructure.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how individuals and businesses in Zimbabwe will navigate the restrictions on using Starlink and whether the government will reconsider its stance on embracing technological advancements for the benefit of the population. The crackdown on Starlink users raises questions about the broader implications of technology resistance in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Read the original article on The Zimbabwe Eye
