Starlink Drives 500% Growth in VSAT Subscriptions in Zimbabwe Since Launch
Zimbabwe’s satellite internet sector is undergoing a significant shift, largely driven by the arrival of Starlink, the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite internet provider operated by SpaceX. According to the latest subscriber statistics by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), VSAT subscriptions, under which Starlink services are classified, rose from 3,814 in Q3 2024 to 23,410 in Q4, marking a 513.79% increase. This growth continued into Q1 2025, with subscriptions rising a further 32.02% to 30,907. The sharp rise reflects the rapid uptake of Starlink’s satellite internet service following its official launch in Zimbabwe in September 2024.
Starlink Drives Surge in Zimbabwe’s Bandwidth Use
The growing subscriber base has also had a marked effect on Zimbabwe’s bandwidth consumption. POTRAZ reports that the country’s used incoming international internet bandwidth rose by 202.90% in Q1 2025, from 889,102 Mbps to 2,693,127 Mbps. Starlink accounted for 83% of this usage, a figure that highlights the rapid integration of the service into the country’s digital ecosystem. The surge in data consumption reflects not just higher internet penetration but also a shift in user behaviour, with more Zimbabweans now able to access streaming services, digital platforms, and remote work or education tools that demand consistent, high-speed connectivity.
Demand Driven by Affordability and Infrastructure Gaps
Starlink’s appeal in Zimbabwe stems not only from its satellite technology but also from the broader market dynamics. In many urban areas, while fibre internet is available, monthly packages from local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are often prohibitively expensive. High-speed, “uncapped” home or office plans can range anywhere from USD 100 to USD 500 per month, costs that remain out of reach for the majority of users.
By contrast, Starlink offers monthly packages starting at approximately USD 30 to USD 50, depending on the selected service tier. While the initial hardware cost at USD 389 may appear substantial, the total cost of ownership over time proves to be comparatively lower, especially when weighed against local alternatives that charge significantly more for similar bandwidth. For many households and small businesses, the return on investment becomes evident within a few months, making Starlink a cost-effective and sustainable long-term solution for connectivity.
Moreover, for rural and underserved communities, where terrestrial infrastructure remains limited, Starlink is emerging as a practical and scalable solution to bridge the digital divide. With its capacity to deliver high-speed internet to even the most remote locations, the service has begun addressing long-standing connectivity challenges nationwide.
Can Starlink Sustain Its Momentum in Zimbabwe Amid Ongoing Availability Constraints?
Although Starlink has seen strong uptake across Zimbabwe since its launch, the service remains officially unavailable for new activations in much of the country, particularly in key urban areas such as Harare and its surroundings. Zimbabwe is currently the only African market where Starlink’s availability is restricted, largely due to capacity limitations. This presents a notable constraint in a country where demand for reliable and affordable internet access remains high.
Recent trends suggest that the limited availability of Starlink services could significantly impact subscriber growth, resulting in fewer new activations, as observed in markets such as Kenya and Nigeria. The situation presents a clear bottleneck: while Starlink aims for rapid uptake in key markets such as Zimbabwe, this ambition may need to be supported by timely infrastructure upgrades. Without such measures, the risk of stagnation or decline in subscriber numbers becomes increasingly likely.