Starlink Reopens Registrations for Zimbabweans Outside Harare After 7-Month Freeze

Zimbabweans living outside the capital city can now sign up for Starlink’s satellite internet service again, following a seven-month registration freeze. The SpaceX-owned company has quietly reopened subscriptions in selected towns and rural areas across the country.

The unexpected move marks a significant step in improving internet access for underserved regions. While Harare remains off-limits to new users, residents in smaller towns and rural parts of Zimbabwe can now secure Starlink kits and services.

The registration freeze, which began in October 2024, was initially imposed to address network congestion issues caused by a surge in demand across Africa. Starlink’s network faced capacity challenges in many of the continent’s growing urban centers, prompting a temporary halt on new subscriptions.

Alongside Zimbabwe, Starlink has also lifted registration blocks in parts of Nairobi (Kenya), Lusaka (Zambia), Kano, Port Harcourt, and Warri (Nigeria), as well as Accra (Ghana). However, major metropolitan areas like Harare, Lagos, and Abuja remain closed to new customers as the company continues to manage data traffic and network load.

Although Starlink has not made an official announcement, the disappearance of “sold out” notices on its website signals the partial reopening of services in these areas. Industry watchers say this follows recent infrastructure upgrades designed to handle the growing demand for affordable, high-speed internet in Africa.

For Harare residents eager to join the Starlink network, the wait continues. The company is expected to roll out further expansions once additional network capacity becomes available.

Starlink’s gradual reopening is seen as a positive development for internet connectivity in Zimbabwe’s rural and semi-urban areas, where traditional broadband infrastructure remains limited.