POTRAZ Faces Backlash for Banning Sale of Starlink Kits Without Proper Licensing
The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) has come under fire following its decision to ban the sale of Starlink kits by telecom service providers and dealers who do not have the required licenses.
This announcement has sparked widespread disapproval, with Zimbabweans accusing POTRAZ and the government of attempting to profit from the rising demand for affordable internet services.
POTRAZ Announces Licensing Requirements for Starlink Sales
In a statement shared on X (formerly known as Twitter), POTRAZ emphasized that the sale or distribution of Starlink kits without proper licensing is illegal. The regulatory body stated that all Internet Service Providers (ISPs), dealers, and network operators must first be cleared by POTRAZ before they are allowed to sell Starlink kits.
“It is a condition of the Starlink licences that such agencies, dealers, and ISPs shall be subject to clearance by POTRAZ. This condition applies to both existing and prospective ISPs and network operators. The sale or distribution of Starlink User Terminals without appropriate licensing and clearance is, therefore, an offence punishable by law,” reads the statement.
Also Read: Starlink Goes Live In Zimbabwe, Here Are Prices Of Buying Hardware And Monthly Subscriptions
Zimbabweans Express Outrage
The announcement was not well-received by many Zimbabweans, with social media platforms buzzing with reactions. Several users expressed their frustration, accusing the government of imposing unnecessary regulations to generate revenue. Many believe that this move is a deliberate attempt so that some individuals profit from the Starlink deal.
Here are some of the reactions;
@Barbossazw;
So you want to licence suppliers of an access point! Licencing a wifi router? Is this a joke? You can go on and start licencing sellers of Techo phones etc
@1983Imat;
The Vampire Government strikes again, the criminalization of the distribution of Starlink is rooted in the need to slow down it’s spread and increase costs. What did we ever do (or not do) to deserve this evil?.Elon denied them exclusive rights now they are entering via the Potraz backdoor. Undiluted evil, Naked greed. Shameless
@mamakaCleo;
Third parties will want to fleece people of their hard earned cash. We all know how Zimbabweans roll. I’d prefer dealing with Elon Musk self.
@FadzoBenjamin1;
In Zim, everything is wheeling and dealing. Somebody wants to profiteer out of a service that could be obtained at a low cost. Goods and services are artificially priced in Zim. Takatadzei chaizvo?
@MissGee;
Everything in Zimbabwe is punishable by law. Very soon even breathing will be punishable by law. Give us a break please, we are already going thru a lot.
@Thulani;
Someone wants to make money out of this deal..always trying to extort money by any means necessary
Pathetic
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The post Zimbabweans Slam POTRAZ for Banning Sale of Starlink Kits Without a License appeared first on iHarare News.
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