By Vimbai Malinganiza
THE potential for development in a country is underpinned by the state of its infrastructure and institutional settings.
Access to the internet is one of the major factors contributing to economic growth and the technological survival of the human species in the modern world.
A robust internet means access to more information, better communication and social networks as well as resources that will go a long way in improving education, health, agricultural and career prospects.
The Second Republic, under the astute leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is focusing on expanding internet access throughout the country thereby creating jobs and introducing new technologies to the citizens of Zimbabwe. The Government has adopted an inclusive in its quest to open up the digital space to the entire nation, specifically the remotest rural areas, thus bringing development to the doorsteps of communities.
Internet has turned the world into a global village, hence it is the duty of every government, especially those in Africa, to facilitate internet service providers to operate in their respective nations. Zimbabwe is leading by example as it continues to expand and facilitate internet access to the majority.
The approval of Starlink by the President, through the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), to operate in the country, proves that the Government is not going back on improving the living standards of its citizens in this digital era.
Some might be wondering why the entry of Starlink has caused such excitement. Well, Starlink is a telecommunications system that provides high- speed internet, the brainchild of the American company Space X owned by billionaire Elon Musk.
Zimbabwe, among other developing countries, has approved the licensing of Starlink because it offers high-speed broadband internet with low latency in remote and rural locations globally.
With the coming of Starlink into the digital space, analysts have pointed out that there must be a significant reduction in the cost of digital services. Therefore, the President responded positively to the citizens’ quest by authorising such an initiative. By allowing Starlink to operate in Zimbabwe, the President said this was a step taken by the Second Republic in prioritising the digital economy and the emerging importance of technology in the day-to-day activities as well as revolutionising the digital and communications technology landscape. The development is part and parcel of achieving a fully digitalised upper-middle income economy by 2030.
Most important is the fact that remote areas are going to digitalise. The satellite-based internet service offered by Starlink accommodates remote and underserved areas, which is an added advantage.
The Government is fulfilling its vision of modernising the country’s rural areas. Gone are the days when services like electricity and internet were only available in the urban areas.
Internet access in remote areas improves education and skills development among learners and teachers alike. The Government is boosting e-learning programmes, promoting STEM skills. The licensing of Starlink is, therefore, a welcome step in achieving these goals and fulfilling the vision of leaving no-one and no place behind.
Better internet access means improved e-commerce and online business operations resulting in increased business growth. It is the duty of any government to provide a suitable and friendly environment for businesses to operate smoothly hence the entry of Starlink is ideal for promoting e-commerce.
Zimbabwe’s economy relies heavily on farming. Improved internet connection means development of agriculture and rural areas. A reliable internet is a blessing for farmers as they can access, for example, weather forecasts, product market prices and agricultural best practices, among others, thus boosting their yields and income.
The entry of Starlink fulfils the vision of Government; that of providing low-cost, high-speed broadband connectivity to clients with the specific goal of offering service to clients who don’t have access to the internet due to their remoteness.
The authorisation of Starlink will create jobs, thus reducing unemployment as companies and individuals will buy, sell and install kits for the customers. Small-scale entrepreneurs can take advantage of this opportunity to run internet cafes, serving those who cannot afford to raise installation costs.
The entry of this global satellite-based service will go a long way in complementing existing technology infrastructure by local internet service providers.
The initiative certainly mirrors the Government’s mantra, ‘Zimbabwe is open for business’.
It also embraces the President’s focus on modernising and industrialising the whole nation through modern sciences and technologies.
With the world now gravitating towards artificial intelligence (AI), services like those provided by Starlink will make it easy for developing countries like Zimbabwe to adopt such technologies.
According to the Coursera, AI refers to computer systems capable of performing complex tasks that historically only a human could do; such as reasoning, making decisions or solving problems. A good example of artificial intelligence is Tesla, a car which uses computer vision to power self-driving. For such Tesla vehicles to operate in Zimbabwe as well, there is need for fast, reliable and cheap internet.
President Mnangagwa said that by licensing the Space X company, Zimbabwe would not only bridge the nation’s digital divide, but also boost confidence in the country’s telecommunications infrastructure to support investments.
A stable internet, with high speed and low earth orbit, unlike the traditional fibre-powered networks, makes it possible for activities like video conferencing and online gaming, among others.
This results in businesses running effectively and efficiently no matter which location they are in. Businesses based in remote areas, like mining, oil and gas exploration, will become easier to operate with the advent of Starlink.
Elon Musk’s company has the potential to drive economic growth and improve convenience and reliability of online businesses in Zimbabwe. It is now time to watch the impact of Starlink’s approval in our motherland as the Government regulates it.
Competitiveness is growing in the digital market. Local internet providers are now facing competition from new technologies which is critical in improving their standards and reducing the cost of internet services.
