Free Starlink Kits: Zimbabwe And DRC Become First African Countries To Get 12-Month Residential Service Option
Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have made history as the first African countries where new users can now access Starlink’s 12-month Residential Service Option — a programme that allows users to get Starlink hardware completely free of charge when they commit to a full year of service.
Social media lit up following the announcement on 29 July 2025, with users from Zimbabwe in particular expressing excitement about the opportunity to connect without paying upfront for hardware.
“Siyabonga Elon. Thank you @Starlink,” wrote user @WillarShoko, sharing the news.
“Zimbabwe and the DRC become the first African countries to get the 12-Month Residential Service Option.”
He concluded with the Shona phrase “Chakanaka chakanaka” which means “What is good is good.”
This marks a major development in internet connectivity for the region, where expensive hardware and limited infrastructure have made broadband access out of reach for many.
What Is Starlink’s 12-Month Residential Service Option?
The 12-month Residential Service Option was previously known as the “12-month commitment” plan. According to Starlink, the plan gives new Residential customers the chance to receive a Starlink Kit at no cost when they agree to maintain service for a minimum of 12 months.
The Starlink Kit, which typically includes a satellite dish, Wi-Fi router, cables, and a base mount, has a market value of US$290 (approx. R5,360) or more, depending on country.
“In select areas, new Starlink customers can receive a Starlink Kit at no cost when they commit to a 12-month Residential service,” explains the official Starlink support article.
The service becomes active once the kit is received and installed, following a brief trial period. Once the trial period ends, the 12-month commitment kicks in and users must stay connected — or face financial penalties.
What Happens If You Cancel, Relocate, Or Fail To Pay?
Cancelling the service early, changing your address, transferring the kit, or even missing a single payment during the 12-month commitment will result in a Change Fee of US$290 (approx. R5,360). This amount decreases monthly over the 12-month period.
For instance, if you cancel after 6 months, you would owe US$145 (approx. R2,680).
“The Change Fee will be reduced by an equal amount each month over the Commitment Period,” explains the Zimbabwe Terms of Service.
“For example, the Change Fee in any given month is equal to the Change Fee multiplied by the number of months remaining in Commitment Period divided by 12.”
Customers who cancel within the 30-day trial period must return the Starlink Kit to avoid penalties. Starlink may pursue unpaid balances through debt collection agencies or credit reporting systems, depending on local laws.
Who Qualifies And Where Is The Offer Available?
To qualify, users must:
- Be new Starlink Residential customers
- OR be existing customers activating a new service line
- Be located in an eligible country or area
In Africa, only Zimbabwe and the DRC currently have nationwide access to the offer. Other eligible countries include Germany, Spain, Norway, Japan, Ireland, Italy, and over 30 others. In Australia, the offer is restricted to certain regions.
The promotion also extends to the Residential Lite plan in some areas, though this varies by country. If a customer switches to Residential Lite after signing up, no Change Fee will apply.
“The promotion is exclusively available to new customers or existing users who open a new service line,” according to the official explainer.
“Restrictions may vary by country.”
What You Need To Know Before Signing Up
Here’s a breakdown of critical terms you should know:
- The offer is not available to users who are simply reactivating a cancelled service.
- You must contact customer support if you want to change or cancel your plan during the commitment.
- Missing even one payment can trigger the Change Fee.
- The free kit remains property of Starlink unless the full commitment is honoured or the Change Fee is paid.
- At the end of the 12-month period, you can continue service, downgrade, or cancel with no fee.
Importantly, if Starlink modifies its terms during the commitment and you choose to cancel as a result, you may be required to return the kit or be billed its full value.
“If you do not return such a Kit in these circumstances,” the Terms warn,
“Starlink may charge your payment method for the US$290 price of the kit, subject to proration.”
Why This Matters For Africa
With traditional internet providers failing to serve many rural and remote areas, Starlink’s satellite-based model has been widely welcomed. However, the cost of equipment has kept many African users out.
This new plan removes that barrier by offering free kits in exchange for a long-term service commitment — allowing households and businesses across Zimbabwe and DRC to connect without upfront hardware payments.
In Zimbabwe, the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
“This is a game-changer,” wrote one user on X. “It will finally allow us to access fast internet without needing to save for months just for the kit.”
Caution: Read The Fine Print
Users are advised to read the full terms of service carefully before committing.
While the promotion is generous, failure to meet the 12-month terms can lead to fees and even debt collection. Switching addresses or changing plans during the period, even for legitimate reasons, may trigger penalties unless done under the proper guidelines.
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The post How To Get A Free Starlink Kit In Zimbabwe: 12-Month Residential Service Plan Explained appeared first on iHarare News.
