How you will personally benefit from Starlink’s presence in Zim even without purchasing a kit
- by Techzim
- May 29, 2024
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29 May 2024
If you take anything from this article, it’s that Starlink’s presence in Zimbabwe could lead to improved internet services, even if you don’t directly use their products. By partnering with Starlink or OneWeb for backhauling services, local providers like Econet, NetOne, Liquid, Telco, Utande and others can expand their networks more affordably, resulting in faster speeds, lower latency, and potentially lower costs for consumers.
The Director General of the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) said Starlink should start rolling out in Zimbabwe between July and September. He says that’s what Starlink said in its application but that doesn’t mean they will meet that deadline.
That’s around the corner and judging from our trip to IMC’s offices (Starlink’s local partners), it will likely take them at least the entire month of June to get everything ready.
The DG also said,
In their application they will provide backhauling connectivity and they can also enter into commercial arrangements with local players.
It doesn’t like much but this is exactly why we were moaning about Starlink’s licensing taking too long. It is a big deal. Let us unpack what Starlink providing backhauling services means.
Backhauling vs direct internet access
When we think of Starlink, we think of direct internet access to end users. This is where you buy your $600 kit, fasten it to your roof and treat yourself to unlimited internet in your home.
With this direct internet access to end users, Starlink targets individual households, small businesses and remote locations.
Starlink provides high-speed internet directly to end users via a satellite dish and modem. Users connect their personal devices (computers, smartphones, etc.) to the internet through this setup.
Starlink also offers backhaul services and here the target market are; Internet service providers (ISPs like TelOne, Liquid, Utande, Telco), mobile network operators (like Econet and NetOne), businesses, and emergency services.
Starlink provides high-capacity connections that link smaller local networks to larger, core networks. This is used to extend internet connectivity from central locations to outlying areas.
To understand what that entails, consider Econet using Starlink to connect remote cell towers to its core network, ensuring mobile coverage in those areas.
Backhaul services are aimed at network infrastructure, providing connectivity for other networks or service providers to extend their reach.
So, even without a Starlink kit yourself, you still could benefit from Starlink’s services if they can find a way to “enter into commercial arrangements with local players.”
This is what the Minister of ICT meant when she said existing and future sector operators can utilise Starlink services for cheaper access, especially in remote places that are currently difficult to service using fibre or cell towers.
AMN Nigeria
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