Copy URL Harare – The race for Zimbabwean internet dominance has taken a dramatic turn, with the controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s bid to be the sole agent for Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service facing a major setback. The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) has confirmed that it has issued multiple licences to various operators, effectively ending Chivayo’s attempt to secure exclusivity through his company, IMC Communications. Chivayo, a controversial figure known for his close ties to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, had previously received a licence through a presidential order, bypassing the usual Potraz procedures. This move, however, drew immediate criticism for its blatant disregard of the law, which clearly outlines licensing processes and regulations. “None of the licensed service providers, including Chivayo’s, have exclusivity rights to partner with global satellite internet giant, Starlink,” Potraz stated, emphasizing that the regulatory body is committed to fostering a competitive market. This revelation comes amidst reports that Mnangagwa’s son is also seeking to enter the Starlink market, adding a family-related twist to the already heated competition. The scramble for Starlink’s high-speed internet services has ignited a tender war between Chivayo and his competitors, with allegations of unfair advantages and political influence swirling in the background. Chivayo, who has become synonymous with lucrative government tenders, recently found himself in the spotlight for the wrong reasons. His Instagram account was reportedly hacked, exposing alleged private chats with numerous women, including married individuals. However, despite this scandal, the businessman quickly regained control of his account and celebrated a business milestone, sharing a collage of himself alongside Elon Musk. “Always moving from strength to strength against all odds…” he declared on his social media platform. This celebratory post came just a day after Potraz announced that IMC Communications had received approval to provide internet services in Zimbabwe through a partnership with Starlink. While this approval was initially seen as a major victory for Chivayo, Potraz has clarified that the licence is not yet finalized and will not grant exclusivity rights.