Ashley Masakadza

The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) has threatened to arrest people for using Starlink internet services before the company is fully registered to operate in Zimbabwe.

POTRAZ Director General, Dr Gift Machengete said the regulator wants the company to follow the prerequisites of the law for them to start operating legally.

“We will not hesitate to arrest anyone found using Starlink products and services here in Zimbabwe. As for now, they have not yet regularized, so no one should be seen using it’s products and services,” Dr Machengete said.

He added that the company is yet to avail information on its operational plan. He said Starlink has not yet specified the licensing package they desire, leaving questions on whether if they intend to act as a full operator or a VSAT provider.

A number of Zimbabweans are already using Starlink services from accounts registered in neighbouring countries like Mozambique and Zambia.