Potraz Prohibits Starlink Sales by Frampol, Dandemutande - Reselling Rights Restricted in Zimbabwe

Potraz Halts Starlink Sales by Frampol and Dandemutande

In a move that has ruffled feathers in the Zimbabwean telecommunications market, the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) has put the brakes on authorised Starlink resellers Frampol and Dandemutande from advertising and selling the highly anticipated Starlink services. These companies had successfully secured their Starlink Authorised Reseller status, but Potraz refused them the critical clearance needed to sell Starlink services within the country.

The ban originates from a specific condition tied to the Starlink licence. Potraz mandates that every agency, dealer, and Internet Service Provider (ISP) must obtain its clearance before they can market or sell Starlink. At present, only Aura, TelOne, and Starlink Zimbabwe itself have been successful in securing this clearance. This development places a substantial amount of control in the hands of Potraz, and by extension, the political figures guiding its operations.

Political Intrigues and Complex Licensing Processes

The journey to secure Starlink licensing in Zimbabwe has been anything but straightforward, marked by intricate political manoeuvrings and public anticipation. Initially, the nation's president had imposed conditions on the licensing process, demanding that Starlink exclusively collaborate with Wicknell Chivayo’s project, IMC. Starlink, however, was not keen on this proposal and subsequently declined.

The public, sensing an opportunity for the advanced internet services Starlink could offer, voiced a strong demand. This public pressure culminated in a compromise. Potraz eventually relented, allowing three entities—Aura, TelOne, and Starlink itself—to operate as authorised resellers in Zimbabwe. The decision to permit these specific entities, while excluding others, has inevitably drawn attention and speculation.

Samuelle Dimairho's Take on Aura's Clearance

Samuelle Dimairho, the CEO of Aura Group, has categorically denied any political influences in the organisation’s successful clearance. He stressed that Aura boasts a robust track record in the telecommunications and IoT sectors, extending over eight years, with specific involvement in the Starlink project for the past three years. Dimairho underscored the capability and expertise of his company as the primary reasons for their inclusion as an authorised reseller.

Dimairho also mentioned that only Potraz could provide the rationale behind why other ISPs were denied clearance. The underlying factors and criteria for such decisions have not been made transparent to the public, adding another layer of complexity to the overarching narrative.

Alternative Options for Consumers

For potential consumers eager to access Starlink services, there is still a viable path forward. Individuals can order Starlink services directly from the official Starlink website. Delivery for these orders typically takes around four weeks. This route, while workable for individual users, falls short when it comes to handling the more intricate needs of businesses. This complexity highlights the vital role of authorised resellers.

Authorised resellers like Aura, TelOne, and Starlink Zimbabwe are better equipped to handle business-specific requirements, offering services such as troubleshooting, payment management, and designing custom network solutions tailored to the unique needs of business clients. This capability makes the role of authorised resellers indispensable, especially for larger enterprises looking for comprehensive solutions.

Implications of Potraz’s Decision

The strategic decision by Potraz to restrict the circle of authorised Starlink resellers has far-reaching implications. The move has created a narrowing of the market, possibly aiming to maintain tighter control over the distribution and accessibility of Starlink services within the country.

On one hand, this restriction could potentially ensure a level of quality and reliability, as the entities allowed to operate have presumably met specific standards and criteria. On the other hand, it raises questions about market fairness and the influence of political power in the decision-making process.

The refusal to grant clearance to entities like Frampol and Dandemutande, despite them having achieved Authorised Reseller status, points to a larger narrative about control and governance within the country's telecommunications landscape. As the situation unfolds, it will be critical to monitor how these dynamics affect the rollout and adoption of Starlink services in Zimbabwe.

Moreover, it paves the way for discussions about regulatory practices and the need for transparency in how such critical decisions are made. For now, the clarity and direction pertaining to Starlink's full-fledged operations in Zimbabwe remain under the purview of Potraz, and closely watched by both the public and stakeholders in the tech and telecommunications space.