Starlink Reopens in Harare — What It Means for Businesses and Homes

By Gweru Marketplace News Desk

HARARE — For months, Zimbabweans stared at the dreaded “Sold Out” sign on Starlink’s website, dreaming of fast, reliable internet that actually works. Now, that wait is over — at least for some.

Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, has reopened in Harare. But here’s the twist: not everyone can jump in just yet.

Businesses Get the VIP Lane

When Starlink reopened, it didn’t open the doors for everyone. The first to get access are businesses and organisations through what’s called the Priority plan.

Think of it like a highway: when traffic is heavy, most cars crawl. Priority users? They get the fast lane. Their speeds don’t slow down even when everyone else’s does, meaning schools, banks, shops, and NGOs can keep running smoothly online without interruptions.

For ordinary home users, this means: patience. Residential connections are still on waiting lists, and the full reopening will depend on Starlink adding more satellites and capacity in the region.

The Kits: Standard and Mini

If you’re thinking about signing up, here’s what you need to know about the hardware. Most users in Zimbabwe are getting the Standard Starlink Kit — the classic setup that sits on your rooftop or pole, with:

• A satellite dish
• Wi-Fi router
• Mounting hardware
• Power and connection cables

It’s designed for permanent installation and can support homes, offices, and schools.

There’s also the Mini Kit, smaller and portable, perfect for mobile setups, field offices, or backup connections. It doesn’t support as many devices as the Standard Kit, but it’s handy for on-the-go use.

The high-end, enterprise-level kits exist globally but aren’t widely available in Zimbabwe yet.

Why This Reopening Matters

Starlink isn’t just about faster Netflix. It’s a game-changer for Zimbabwe’s digital economy.

For businesses and online traders, reliable internet can mean:

• Real-time payments
• Smooth e-commerce operations
• Better customer service
• Opportunities for remote work

For schools and students, it’s a lifeline for online learning, research, and staying connected to the world.

And for households, once residential plans open fully, it promises a level of internet stability and speed most Zimbabweans have only dreamed about.

What You Should Do

• If you run a business, school, or NGO: Apply now under the Priority plan — this is your chance to get a fast, stable connection before everyone else.
• If you’re a household user: Join the waiting list and be ready — the wait will pay off when capacity grows.

The Takeaway

Starlink’s partial reopening is a peek into Zimbabwe’s digital future. The internet is no longer tied to fibre lines or cell towers alone; it’s coming from space.

For businesses willing to move fast, the opportunity is here. For households, the promise is real — but patience is required.

One thing is certain: Starlink is changing the game, and whether for work, study, or everyday browsing, Zimbabwe is about to experience internet like never before.

Gweru Marketplace News will continue to track Starlink’s rollout and its impact on local businesses, schools, and households.