From Slow Connections to Satellite Speeds: Zimbabwe’s Journey Toward a Connected Future

• Current State of Zimbabwe’s Internet Market
• Emerging Technologies Shaping Internet Access
• Key Players and Market Dynamics
• Projected Expansion and User Adoption
• Connectivity Gaps and Progress Across Provinces
• Anticipated Developments in Zimbabwe’s Internet Ecosystem
• Barriers to Progress and Areas for Innovation
• Sources & References

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Current State of Zimbabwe’s Internet Market

Zimbabwe’s internet market has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade, shifting from unreliable, slow connections to a rapidly modernizing digital landscape. Historically, Zimbabwe lagged behind regional peers in internet penetration and quality, hampered by outdated infrastructure, high costs, and limited competition. In 2013, internet penetration stood at just 40%, with most users relying on slow 2G and 3G mobile networks (POTRAZ).

However, recent years have seen a surge in both access and quality, driven by significant investments from both public and private sectors. As of the fourth quarter of 2023, internet penetration had climbed to 65.7%, with over 10 million active internet subscriptions in a country of roughly 16 million people (POTRAZ Q4 2023 Report). The majority of users access the internet via mobile broadband, with Econet Wireless, NetOne, and Telecel dominating the market. Fiber-optic rollouts in urban centers have also improved fixed broadband speeds, though rural areas still face connectivity challenges.

One of the most significant developments is the entry of satellite internet providers, notably Starlink, which received regulatory approval in May 2024 (TechZim). Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellites promise to bridge the digital divide, offering high-speed, low-latency internet even in remote regions where terrestrial infrastructure is lacking. Early adopters report speeds exceeding 100 Mbps, a dramatic improvement over legacy services.

• Mobile Internet: 98% of internet traffic is mobile-based, with 4G coverage expanding rapidly but still uneven (POTRAZ).
• Fixed Broadband: Fiber and ADSL are available in major cities, but account for less than 2% of total subscriptions.
• Satellite Internet: Starlink and other providers are poised to disrupt the market, especially for businesses and rural users.

Despite these advances, challenges remain. Data costs are among the highest in Africa, and power outages frequently disrupt service (BuddeComm). Nevertheless, Zimbabwe’s internet revolution is well underway, with new technologies and market entrants promising to further accelerate digital inclusion and economic growth.

Emerging Technologies Shaping Internet Access

Zimbabwe’s internet landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation, shifting from years of unreliable connectivity to the promise of high-speed, satellite-powered access. Historically, Zimbabwe has struggled with slow internet speeds, high costs, and limited rural coverage. According to the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), as of late 2023, internet penetration stood at 65.7%, with most users relying on mobile broadband. However, persistent infrastructure challenges and frequent power outages have hampered consistent access, especially outside urban centers.

The arrival of emerging technologies is now reshaping this landscape. Notably, the introduction of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet services, such as Starlink, is poised to bridge the digital divide. In May 2024, Zimbabwe’s government officially licensed Starlink, allowing the service to operate through a local partner, Dandemutande. This move is expected to provide high-speed, low-latency internet to remote and underserved areas, where traditional fiber and mobile networks have struggled to reach.

• Speed and Reliability: Starlink promises download speeds of 50–200 Mbps, a significant leap from the national average of 10.5 Mbps reported by Speedtest Global Index in early 2024.
• Coverage Expansion: Satellite internet can cover 100% of Zimbabwe’s territory, including rural and mountainous regions where only 38% of households currently have internet access (ZIMSTAT).
• Cost Implications: While initial hardware costs for satellite internet remain high (around US$600 for a Starlink kit), ongoing competition and government incentives may drive prices down, making it more accessible over time.

Beyond satellites, Zimbabwe is also investing in fiber-optic expansion and 5G trials. Operators like Econet Wireless and TelOne are rolling out new infrastructure, aiming to boost urban speeds and reliability. These combined efforts signal a new era for Zimbabwe’s digital economy, enabling e-learning, telemedicine, and e-commerce to flourish across the nation.

Key Players and Market Dynamics

Zimbabwe’s internet landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past decade, shifting from unreliable, slow connections to a burgeoning market energized by satellite technology and new entrants. Historically, the country’s connectivity was hampered by limited infrastructure, high costs, and regulatory hurdles. As of 2015, internet penetration hovered around 40%, with most users relying on expensive mobile data and patchy fixed-line services (ITU).

Today, the market is defined by a handful of dominant players and a wave of innovation. The state-owned TelOne and Econet Wireless, Zimbabwe’s largest mobile operator, have long controlled the bulk of the market. Econet, with over 13 million subscribers, has invested heavily in 4G and fiber networks, driving mobile internet penetration to 65.7% by 2023 (POTRAZ). NetOne, another major mobile operator, has also expanded its 4G footprint, while Liquid Intelligent Technologies (a subsidiary of Econet) leads in fiber deployment across urban centers.

The real revolution, however, is being sparked by satellite internet. In 2023, Starlink, the satellite internet service by SpaceX, received regulatory approval to operate in Zimbabwe, breaking the longstanding monopoly and offering high-speed, low-latency internet even in remote areas (Bloomberg). This move is expected to disrupt the market, forcing incumbents to lower prices and improve service quality. Starlink’s entry is particularly significant for rural communities, where less than 30% of households had reliable internet access as of 2022 (ZimStat).

• Econet Wireless: Market leader in mobile and data services, driving 4G and fiber expansion.
• TelOne: State-owned, focusing on fixed broadband and public Wi-Fi initiatives.
• NetOne: Rapidly growing mobile operator, expanding rural coverage.
• Liquid Intelligent Technologies: Leading fiber network provider, connecting businesses and cities.
• Starlink: New entrant, offering satellite internet with nationwide reach.

Market dynamics are now shaped by increased competition, regulatory reforms, and a surge in demand for digital services. As satellite and fiber technologies proliferate, Zimbabwe’s internet revolution is poised to bridge the digital divide, foster innovation, and accelerate economic growth.

Projected Expansion and User Adoption

Zimbabwe’s internet landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation, shifting from years of sluggish connectivity to the brink of a digital revolution powered by satellite technology. Historically, Zimbabwe lagged behind regional peers in internet penetration, with only 34.8% of the population having access in 2020, compared to the African average of 43% (DataReportal). The country’s reliance on aging copper infrastructure and limited fiber rollout left rural and peri-urban communities underserved, stifling economic growth and digital inclusion.

However, the arrival of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet services, such as Starlink, is poised to upend this status quo. In May 2024, Zimbabwe’s government officially licensed Starlink, marking a pivotal shift in policy and opening the door for rapid expansion of high-speed internet access (Bloomberg). Starlink’s constellation of satellites promises to deliver broadband speeds exceeding 100 Mbps even in the most remote areas, bypassing the need for costly terrestrial infrastructure.

Market analysts project a surge in user adoption as satellite internet becomes available. The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) anticipates internet penetration could reach 60% by 2026, driven by satellite and mobile broadband expansion (TechZim). Early demand is robust: within weeks of Starlink’s licensing, thousands of pre-orders were reported, particularly from rural schools, clinics, and small businesses seeking reliable connectivity.

• Rural Inclusion: Over 67% of Zimbabwe’s population lives in rural areas, where traditional ISPs have struggled to provide service. Satellite internet is expected to bridge this gap, enabling e-learning, telemedicine, and e-commerce (UNICEF Zimbabwe).
• Business Growth: SMEs and entrepreneurs are anticipated to benefit from improved connectivity, with the World Bank noting that a 10% increase in broadband penetration can boost GDP growth by up to 1.38% in developing countries (World Bank).
• Affordability Challenges: While satellite internet offers unprecedented reach, the initial hardware costs (around US$600 for a Starlink kit) may limit adoption among low-income households, though prices are expected to fall as competition increases.

In summary, Zimbabwe’s internet revolution is set to accelerate, with satellite technology at the forefront. The coming years will likely see a dramatic rise in user adoption, digital inclusion, and economic opportunity, transforming the nation’s digital landscape.

Connectivity Gaps and Progress Across Provinces

Zimbabwe’s internet landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past decade, shifting from patchy, unreliable connections to a rapidly expanding digital infrastructure. Historically, the country’s connectivity was hampered by limited investment, outdated copper networks, and a heavy reliance on mobile data. As of 2015, internet penetration stood at just 40%, with rural areas particularly underserved (ITU).

Recent years, however, have seen significant progress. By December 2023, internet penetration had climbed to 65.7%, according to the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ). This growth is driven by a combination of fiber-optic rollouts in urban centers, 4G LTE expansion, and, most notably, the arrival of satellite internet services. Major cities like Harare and Bulawayo now boast fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) options, with providers such as Liquid Intelligent Technologies and TelOne leading the charge (Liquid Intelligent Technologies).

Despite these advances, connectivity gaps remain stark across provinces. Urban-rural disparities persist: while Harare enjoys over 80% internet coverage, provinces like Mashonaland Central and Matabeleland North lag behind, with coverage rates below 50% (TechZim). The high cost of data and devices, coupled with limited infrastructure investment in remote areas, continues to hinder universal access.

The game-changer has been the introduction of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet, notably Starlink, which received regulatory approval in 2024 (Bloomberg). Satellite connectivity is now bridging the digital divide, offering high-speed internet to previously unreachable communities. Early adopters in rural Manicaland and Masvingo report speeds exceeding 100 Mbps, a quantum leap from the sub-5 Mbps averages of legacy mobile networks.

• Urban Progress: Fiber and 4G/5G rollouts are densest in Harare, Bulawayo, and Gweru.
• Rural Leapfrogging: Satellite internet is enabling direct access in remote provinces, bypassing the need for costly terrestrial infrastructure.
• Affordability Challenge: While access is improving, the cost of satellite hardware and subscriptions remains a barrier for many households.

Zimbabwe’s internet revolution is far from complete, but the convergence of terrestrial and satellite technologies is rapidly narrowing the connectivity gap, setting the stage for more inclusive digital growth across all provinces.

Anticipated Developments in Zimbabwe’s Internet Ecosystem

Zimbabwe’s internet landscape is on the cusp of a transformative revolution, shifting from years of lagging connectivity to the promise of high-speed, satellite-powered access. Historically, Zimbabwe has struggled with limited broadband infrastructure, high data costs, and unreliable service, ranking 120th out of 182 countries in the 2023 Worldwide Mobile Data Pricing report. The average cost of 1GB of mobile data in Zimbabwe is approximately $4.12, significantly higher than the global average of $2.59.

However, the landscape is rapidly changing. The government’s National Broadband Plan 2023-2030 aims to achieve 100% population coverage by 2030, focusing on expanding fiber-optic networks and incentivizing private sector investment. As of 2023, internet penetration stood at 65.3%, up from 60.6% in 2021, according to POTRAZ (Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe).

The most significant anticipated development is the entry of satellite internet providers. In 2024, Starlink received regulatory approval to operate in Zimbabwe, promising to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet even in remote and underserved areas. Starlink’s service, which can offer speeds of up to 150 Mbps, is expected to disrupt the market, drive down prices, and improve service quality. Other satellite providers, such as Eutelsat in partnership with Liquid Intelligent Technologies, are also expanding their footprint, further intensifying competition.

• Rural Connectivity: Satellite internet is poised to bridge the digital divide, connecting rural schools, clinics, and businesses previously left offline.
• Economic Impact: Improved internet access is expected to boost e-commerce, digital payments, and remote work, contributing to Zimbabwe’s GDP growth.
• Regulatory Evolution: The government is revising licensing frameworks to accommodate new technologies and encourage fair competition.

In summary, Zimbabwe’s internet ecosystem is transitioning from lagging signals to a future powered by sky-high satellites, with the potential to unlock unprecedented digital opportunities for millions of Zimbabweans.

Barriers to Progress and Areas for Innovation

Zimbabwe’s journey toward a robust digital ecosystem has been marked by both persistent barriers and emerging opportunities for innovation. Despite notable progress in internet penetration—rising from 59.1% in 2021 to 63.1% in 2023 (POTRAZ)—the country still faces significant challenges that hinder the full realization of its internet revolution.

• Infrastructure Gaps: Rural and remote areas remain underserved due to the high cost of deploying fiber-optic cables and cellular towers. As of 2023, only 38% of rural households had reliable internet access, compared to 78% in urban centers (ZIMSTAT).
• High Data Costs: Zimbabwe has some of the highest mobile data prices in Africa, with 1GB costing an average of $5.30, well above the continental average of $2.47 (Cable.co.uk). This limits access for low-income populations and stifles digital inclusion.
• Power Supply Instability: Frequent electricity outages disrupt both service provision and user access, particularly in rural areas where backup solutions are scarce (The Herald).
• Regulatory and Policy Hurdles: Complex licensing requirements and inconsistent policy implementation slow down the entry of new players and the rollout of innovative technologies (TechZim).

However, these barriers have also spurred areas ripe for innovation:

• Satellite Internet Solutions: The arrival of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite providers like Starlink promises to leapfrog traditional infrastructure, offering high-speed connectivity to even the most remote communities (Bloomberg).
• Community Networks: Grassroots initiatives are building local wireless networks using affordable, open-source technologies, empowering communities to manage their own connectivity (APC).
• Renewable Energy Integration: Solar-powered base stations and charging hubs are being piloted to address power instability and ensure continuous internet access (ESI Africa).
• Policy Reform: Ongoing advocacy for streamlined regulations and reduced licensing fees could accelerate market entry and foster greater competition (TechZim).

In summary, while Zimbabwe’s internet revolution faces formidable obstacles, targeted innovation—especially in satellite connectivity and community-driven solutions—offers a pathway to bridging the digital divide and unlocking new economic opportunities.

Sources & References

• Zimbabwe’s Internet Revolution: From Lagging Signals to Sky-High Satellites
• POTRAZ
• Starlink
• Speedtest Global Index
• ZIMSTAT
• TelOne
• ITU
• World Bank
• Eutelsat
• Cable.co.uk
• APC
• ESI Africa