POTRAZ Contradicts President Mnangagwa on Starlink – No Exclusive Rights for Wicknell Chivayo’s IMC Communications
In a surprising turn of events, the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) has contradicted President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s recent announcement regarding the exclusive partnership rights of Wicknell Chivayo’s IMC Communications with global satellite internet, Starlink.
Potraz clarified its stance on the issuance of Internet Service Provider (ISP) licenses, stating that none of the licenses issued carry sole or exclusive rights to partner with global satellite internet provider Starlink.
Also Read: Groundbreaking Move: President Emmerson Mnangagwa Approves Starlink Licensing in Zimbabwe
No Exclusive Rights for IMC Communications
POTRAZ Director-General Dr. Gift Machengete stated that the regulatory body does not issue exclusive licenses for any telecommunication services, including internet services.
“In our license categories, we have no licenses for exclusivity. Our licenses are not technology-specific,” he said.
Despite IMC Communications’ recent approval for an ISP license, Dr. Machengete made it clear that the company has not yet been granted the official license document due to pending processes.
He revealed that when it is issued the license, it will not include any sole or exclusivity rights to partner with Starlink.
This contradicts President Mnangagwa’s announcement that IMC Communications was the sole partner for Starlink.
President Mnangagwa’s Announcement
On the 25th of May, 2024, President Mnangagwa’s announced about the exclusive partnership between Starlink and IMC Communications.
He stated he had approved the licensing of Starlink by Potraz through its sole and exclusive partner IMC Communications.
“I’m pleased to announce that I have approved the licensing of Starlink by POTRAZ to provide advanced internet and related digital processing services in Zimbabwe through its sole and exclusive local partner, IMC Communications (Pvt) Ltd,” reads President Mnangagwa’s statement.
With POTRAZ’s latest revelation, it appears that the exclusivity rights initially announced by President Mnangagwa for IMC Communications have been withdrawn.
POTRAZ’s Non-Exclusive Licensing Policy
Now given the latest revelation, POTRAZ’s licensing policy allows any licensed ISP to partner with technology providers like Starlink.
“This means that anyone who has our license, if it is an ISP, that person can go to Starlink, that person can go to Liquid, that person can use any technology,” Dr. Machengete added.
Follow Us on Google News for Immediate Updates
The post POTRAZ Contradicts President Mnangagwa On Starlink – Insists that Wicknell Chivayo’s IMC Communications Does Not Have Sole Exclusive Rights appeared first on iHarare News.
Zim Instantly via Simplex Solutions