Many residents in Harare are eager to connect to Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet, but they are currently facing a frustrating situation: the service is oversubscribed. Starlink has changed its status in Harare from “Available Now” to “Expanding Q3 2024,” indicating that there are more customers than the service can accommodate right now.
What Does Oversubscribed Mean?
Being oversubscribed means that the demand for Starlink in Harare exceeds the current capacity of the service. This situation requires Starlink to add more satellites and improve its technology before they can accept new customers in the area. While Harare is currently on hold, other parts of Zimbabwe can still sign up for Starlink.
Similar Situations in Other African Cities
Harare is not alone in this issue. Several other capital cities in Africa, such as Lusaka (Zambia), Nairobi (Kenya), and Lagos (Nigeria), are also oversubscribed. In Nigeria, even more cities, including Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Warri, are at capacity. Many potential customers in these areas are now on waitlists, with some facing delays until 2025.
Starlink’s Limitations
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Starlink has noted that its satellite internet service is not designed for densely populated areas. The company suggests that urban regions are better served by traditional technologies like fiber and LTE. Starlink is more suitable for sparsely populated areas where infrastructure is difficult to establish.
However, Starlink is working to improve its technology to meet the high demand, even from city residents.
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What Can Harare Residents Do?
For those in Harare wanting Starlink, patience is key. Previously, customers were advised to sign up for the Business package, but this will now only secure a reservation, not an order.
One alternative is to order Starlink for a different area and use the $100 monthly Roam package. However, users in Harare may experience slower internet speeds compared to those outside the city. Recent complaints indicate that many users in Harare are already facing slow connectivity issues.
Consider Other Internet Options
Given the high cost of Starlink, residents might want to explore other internet services available in Harare. Established ISPs like Econet, TelOne, Utande, Powertel, and Liquid offer competitive packages that could be more suitable and cost-effective for users.
