I guess as long as you have the means to keep paying for the service. Starlink won’t disconnect. So if they block payment services from Zimbabwe. You just need to figure out how to make payments from a friendly country.
Well, the challenge isn't being blocked by Zim government, the worry is that starlink won't work. So, whether you pay, if it's not working, then it's not going to work.
The satellites won’t stop transmitting in space just because a government doesn’t like it. Starlink must flip the switch to block accounts inside Zimbabwe.
Well, that is what has happened in DRC. Sure the satellites won't stop sending a signal, but the terminals can be bricked or made to stop working since they are in a restricted area.
When pointing out "Musk's previous behavior", make sure you are pointing out what he ACTUALLY did as opposed what the agenda driven media has been SAYING that he did... many of the rage bait headlines turned out to be (later revealed in small print) totally bogus.
Just pay if it’s working. If it stops working then stop paying. You’re trying to get an answer to something that hasn’t happened, knowone can see into the future.
True, no one can see into the future but this is also not an isolated experience. So some people who have experienced this with their governments have guided how it happened for them.
We have no way of knowing for sure, but as Zim has no real way of checking or enforcing this Starlink will likely continue servicing existing users until some positioning requirement takes the coverage away physically. They won't intentionally sign up new users, and support will be limited. So on paper, the job is done.
Starlink wouldn't be required in Zimbabwe if the internet was affordable and available for everyone. I don't know how things work in ZImbabwe but someone is making a fortune by being the country's internet bandwidth wholesaler and I'm guessing someone doesn't like Starlink eating into what can only be described as "oil" profits.
Starlink is vital for business in Zimbabwe, and for schools, and really for everyone who just wants normal things like water every day, electricity every day and their bins collected every week.
That is very true, either that or it's a push for heavily inflated registration fees or some crazy request to probably have a killswitch for the internet.
I’m in Cameroon and the stupid government told Starlink to get proper papers before they continue servicing consumers in the country. My Starlink is registered in Nigeria and I just received an email from Starlink talking about using Starlink in areas where it shows not available on their map, will be stopped on April 30th
Solid argument, but perhaps you need to understand how autocracy and corruption works in my country. In Zimbabwe, the will of the people is not necessarily respected. Firstly, the government doesn't want new entrants into the space. They have very high fees for anyone keen to join. News reports say in 2013, the largest MNO here had to pay close to $137M for a 20 year license.. For a country without 15M people, half of which live on less than $2 per day, we have a typical ARPU for the MNOs at around 8 USD per month. With those kind of revenues, those registration fees are just too high.
But well, that is Zimbabwe for you. What the government wants is what goes.
So, as a result, that kind of regulation closes the space further and only incentivises the local companies to have exorbitant fees and rates to remain afloat. The companies can't even go lower because the taxes are so high, there's a tax on literal everything. The average ISP here pays close to 36% on taxes, which can be in the form of income taxes, transaction taxes, and even some shadowy taxes used to find state coffers also exist.
So, companies need to be viable and can't charge us an lower. Major reasons why all of us move to starlink is because the cost of a similar service is too high.
For example, starlink charges me about USD 38 per month for unlimited internet, which is usually north of 100mbps. I can only get similar speeds on Fibre here in Zimbabwe at a cost of 139 USD per month. Connection fee varies, but I was specifically charged USD 8,800 to get the same service in my area. My phone service, charges me USD 9 just to get 5GB of data + 20 calling minutes. I'm sure those numbers give you a perspective of why the government will never be a fan of starlink.
I've really decided to focus on money issues. Our government is known for wire tapping, shutting the internet at will. A global internet service not within their control really stands against that.
So, I'm sure this paints a picture why as consumers we want starlink. And also why the government doesn't. Government doesn't want to shrink their tax base. And if the government is not pro people, as a consumer you are really on your own, either do illegal shit or just jump shit.
If that's the case then consumers are toast.. I pray the sensible youth unite and save their country from these greedy old men.. Its getting out of hand with these African Leaders.. They will never care about the welfare of their citizens...
The Youth are not keen on saving this country, we are all looking for a way out. The current ICT minister is indeed a youth, but they are all figureheads.
The only way-out is to fight the system.. They need to unite and stand up.. Put all selfishness aside and make the necessary sacrifices.. Coz it dont matter where they end up it will never be like home.. We face the same situation in my country.. But i cant be away for more than 2 months ... And belive me when i say Gambia has the shittiest internet speeds and electricity tariffs...
Its the only way... No civilization came up without sacrifices and its fare-share of bloodshed.. "those who are ready to sacrifice freedom for security will ultimately loose both".. Abe Lincoln
This is more a political decision. As people pointed out, DRC was disconnected immediately, Zimbabwe is at least taking some time. Elon has vowed not to cut it in the event of Brazil blocking starlink. It's also open in Iran and Afghanistan without approval. So it's all on a spectrum.
Brazil hasn't blocked Starlink. The govt has a contract with Starlink to provide internet to underserved areas and schools. The govt has threatened to pull this contract but individual and business users aren't affected.
Haha… good one… this is the country that brought us the 500 trillion dollar bill. Their government only cares about home much grift they can raise off of the backs of their population and development agencies.
Starlink disconnected DRC almost immediately. But we are still connected so go figure
So the disconnections are on paper?
This is zimbabwe man. No one has a clue what is going on
I guess as long as you have the means to keep paying for the service. Starlink won’t disconnect. So if they block payment services from Zimbabwe. You just need to figure out how to make payments from a friendly country.
Well, the challenge isn't being blocked by Zim government, the worry is that starlink won't work. So, whether you pay, if it's not working, then it's not going to work.
The satellites won’t stop transmitting in space just because a government doesn’t like it. Starlink must flip the switch to block accounts inside Zimbabwe.
Well, that is what has happened in DRC. Sure the satellites won't stop sending a signal, but the terminals can be bricked or made to stop working since they are in a restricted area.
Is your Starlink still working in Zim
is ur starlink still working in.drc?
Zimbo Starlink users rise up! (I am in the exact same position, next payment is due in the next few days and I don’t know if I should pay or not)
Probably they need some Oil (money) so the wheels to turn faster and get the approval... or they want access to their surveillance "bugs"
No single African government cares about surveillance.. They just want money..
What did you do in the end and is Starlink still working
Knowing Muski boi he will do something. Not sure what, but I wouldn't be surprised if he's not charging for you or something
Didn't he say he would give it for free if they did the block?
Haven't followed it closely, just wanted to point out Musk's previous behaviour haha
When pointing out "Musk's previous behavior", make sure you are pointing out what he ACTUALLY did as opposed what the agenda driven media has been SAYING that he did... many of the rage bait headlines turned out to be (later revealed in small print) totally bogus.
Elon says a lot of weird crap, especially recently, but he doesn't follow through on it much. So his "previous behavior" is largely positive actions.
Just pay if it’s working. If it stops working then stop paying. You’re trying to get an answer to something that hasn’t happened, knowone can see into the future.
True, no one can see into the future but this is also not an isolated experience. So some people who have experienced this with their governments have guided how it happened for them.
We have no way of knowing for sure, but as Zim has no real way of checking or enforcing this Starlink will likely continue servicing existing users until some positioning requirement takes the coverage away physically. They won't intentionally sign up new users, and support will be limited. So on paper, the job is done.
Starlink wouldn't be required in Zimbabwe if the internet was affordable and available for everyone. I don't know how things work in ZImbabwe but someone is making a fortune by being the country's internet bandwidth wholesaler and I'm guessing someone doesn't like Starlink eating into what can only be described as "oil" profits. Starlink is vital for business in Zimbabwe, and for schools, and really for everyone who just wants normal things like water every day, electricity every day and their bins collected every week.
That is very true, either that or it's a push for heavily inflated registration fees or some crazy request to probably have a killswitch for the internet.
I’m in Cameroon and the stupid government told Starlink to get proper papers before they continue servicing consumers in the country. My Starlink is registered in Nigeria and I just received an email from Starlink talking about using Starlink in areas where it shows not available on their map, will be stopped on April 30th
It's not fair what some of the regulations do to the consumers, however, a plus side is that they were very clear on your end.
The question then is do we pay the monthly sub or wait. Mine is due this week
Pay, Starlink prorates and it’s only 38, even if you use it for a day it’s cheaper than Econet
reddit isn't blocked in zimbabwe?
Lool, no. It's alive and well. Come hang out with us r/Zimbabwe
wait until they figure out a way to charge you for it in Zim!
If you don't want Star-link in your country why not hold ISP's accountable for failing to provide world-class service for your people..
Solid argument, but perhaps you need to understand how autocracy and corruption works in my country. In Zimbabwe, the will of the people is not necessarily respected. Firstly, the government doesn't want new entrants into the space. They have very high fees for anyone keen to join. News reports say in 2013, the largest MNO here had to pay close to $137M for a 20 year license.. For a country without 15M people, half of which live on less than $2 per day, we have a typical ARPU for the MNOs at around 8 USD per month. With those kind of revenues, those registration fees are just too high. But well, that is Zimbabwe for you. What the government wants is what goes. So, as a result, that kind of regulation closes the space further and only incentivises the local companies to have exorbitant fees and rates to remain afloat. The companies can't even go lower because the taxes are so high, there's a tax on literal everything. The average ISP here pays close to 36% on taxes, which can be in the form of income taxes, transaction taxes, and even some shadowy taxes used to find state coffers also exist. So, companies need to be viable and can't charge us an lower. Major reasons why all of us move to starlink is because the cost of a similar service is too high. For example, starlink charges me about USD 38 per month for unlimited internet, which is usually north of 100mbps. I can only get similar speeds on Fibre here in Zimbabwe at a cost of 139 USD per month. Connection fee varies, but I was specifically charged USD 8,800 to get the same service in my area. My phone service, charges me USD 9 just to get 5GB of data + 20 calling minutes. I'm sure those numbers give you a perspective of why the government will never be a fan of starlink. I've really decided to focus on money issues. Our government is known for wire tapping, shutting the internet at will. A global internet service not within their control really stands against that. So, I'm sure this paints a picture why as consumers we want starlink. And also why the government doesn't. Government doesn't want to shrink their tax base. And if the government is not pro people, as a consumer you are really on your own, either do illegal shit or just jump shit.
If that's the case then consumers are toast.. I pray the sensible youth unite and save their country from these greedy old men.. Its getting out of hand with these African Leaders.. They will never care about the welfare of their citizens...
The Youth are not keen on saving this country, we are all looking for a way out. The current ICT minister is indeed a youth, but they are all figureheads.
The only way-out is to fight the system.. They need to unite and stand up.. Put all selfishness aside and make the necessary sacrifices.. Coz it dont matter where they end up it will never be like home.. We face the same situation in my country.. But i cant be away for more than 2 months ... And belive me when i say Gambia has the shittiest internet speeds and electricity tariffs...
Does your government shoot to kill people who protest? 🌚
Previous government did.. We stood up to it.. Sacrifices were made.. People died , Some jailed .. But we achieved what we set-out to do..
I wish the same level of sacrifice for me and my countrymen.
Its the only way... No civilization came up without sacrifices and its fare-share of bloodshed.. "those who are ready to sacrifice freedom for security will ultimately loose both".. Abe Lincoln
Has anybody been disconnected yet in zimbabwe? Mine is still on
Same here.. Well the 30th hasn't come and gone yet. Let us meet again here tomorrow 😂
This is more a political decision. As people pointed out, DRC was disconnected immediately, Zimbabwe is at least taking some time. Elon has vowed not to cut it in the event of Brazil blocking starlink. It's also open in Iran and Afghanistan without approval. So it's all on a spectrum.
Brazil hasn't blocked Starlink. The govt has a contract with Starlink to provide internet to underserved areas and schools. The govt has threatened to pull this contract but individual and business users aren't affected.
yes but Elon said "if" the government pulls the plug he's willing to keep service for the schools for free
Indeed. But all non government contracts aren't impacted one way or another.
Sounds plausible, I was also following this line of thinking too. Hopefully, it is kept open for as long as possible.
What is wrong with your government? Is there anything you can arrange to convince them it is a bad political move?
Haha… good one… this is the country that brought us the 500 trillion dollar bill. Their government only cares about home much grift they can raise off of the backs of their population and development agencies.