The Zimbabwean government has granted approval for Elon Musk’s Starlink to provide satellite-based broadband services across the country through its local partner IMC Communications.

The licensing decision by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (POTRAZ) marks a U-turn from the regulator’s previous stance when it directed Starlink to suspend operations in April and issued warnings against using unauthorized terminals.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa lauded the approval, stating it will facilitate “the deployment of high-speed, low-cost internet infrastructure” nationwide, particularly targeting underserved rural areas. Affordable connectivity has been a challenge, with only around 35% of Zimbabweans having internet access as of 2021, according to World Bank data.

“Starlink’s entry is expected to revolutionize the digital landscape and fulfil this administration’s goal of leaving no one behind,” Mnangagwa said, encouraging more foreign investment. Zimbabwe joins seven other African nations like Nigeria, Mozambique and Kenya that have authorized SpaceX’s satellite internet service.

However, the decision has drawn scrutiny due to IMC Communications’ ownership links to the presidency. The local partner company is headed by Wicknell Chivayo, a businessman known to be in Mnangagwa’s close circles, raising concerns over transparency and perceived conflicts of interest.

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Economist Stevenson Dlamini welcomed Starlink’s cheaper, faster connectivity but cautioned the costs of setting up ground terminals could be prohibitively expensive for many Zimbabweans, especially in rural communities. He urged the government to subsidize access for public facilities like schools and hospitals.

As African nations race to bridge yawning digital divides, satellite internet presents an increasingly viable alternative to unreliable or unavailable terrestrial infrastructure. Whether Zimbabwe’s regulatory reversal on Starlink ushers in fairly priced internet for the masses or becomes another exclusive privilege remains to be seen.