STARLINK GRANTED LICENSE TO PROVIDE INTERNET SERVICES IN ZAMBIA

Government has officially granted Starlink, a satellite internet service provider owned by Spacex, an operation license to operate in Zambia.

Speaking in Lusaka today, Science and Technology Minister Felix Mutati says the coming of Starlink into the digital space will improve internet connectivity and bridge the digital divide in the country.

Mr Mutati says the satellite internet service provider, has been working to expand its services to different parts of the world and in Zambia and that the company has been testing its services in various provinces of Zambia and results have been impressive.

He says government has prioritized internet connectivity and the need to address connectivity issues because this is the only way Zambia can secure a fully functional 21st century e-government system.

At the same event, Smart Zambia National Coordinator Percy Chinyama said the development is expected to help in boosting connectivity and access to information for millions of Zambians who have long been underserved in terms of internet access.

Meanwhile, the Bloggers of Zambia is concerned that access to the internet remains unequal, with millions of Zambians still unable to benefit from its vast resources.

Bloggers of Zambia Board Chairperson Daniel Sikazwe says there is need to address this digital divide and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable internet for all, especially for disadvantaged groups such as citizens in rural and peri-urban areas, people living with disabilities, women and girls.

In a speech read for him by Bloggers of Zambia Chief Executive Officer Richard Mulonga at the 2023 Lusaka internet meet-up, Mr. Sikazwe said this year’s meeting is a platform for capacity building and an opportunity to galvanize important legal and policy recommendations for consideration by legislators, regulators and law enforcement on key digital rights and internet governance issues in Zambia.