Eland Networks and Services

26/03/2025

Starlink’s New Dishes Could Open Access for More Users in Harare and Beyond

26 March 2025

Summary:

​SpaceX is developing a new Starlink dish designed to deliver gigabit internet speeds, significantly enhancing the current average download speeds of approximately 200Mbps.
SpaceX is seeking regulatory approval to operate way more Starlink satellites, which would upgrade the network’s capabilities and support gigabit speeds.
All that would improve service quality for existing users and expand capacity in areas experiencing high demand, such as Harare, leading to more people being able to sign up.
SpaceX is rolling out next-generation Starlink satellite dishes, including a high-performance model capable of gigabit speeds, according to a recent report by PCMag.

The new dishes are designed to be more efficient, supporting higher bandwidth and better connectivity. SpaceX’s President Gwynne Shotwell says Starlink speeds will reach as high as 2 gigabits.

For the nerds, this will come because next generation satellites willl have smaller beams, more capacity per beam and lower latency.

All the above will likely require users seeking Gigabit speeds to upgrade to new dishes that are in the works. However, it’s not all about faster, fibre-like speeds for existing users.

For users in Harare and other parts of Zimbabwe—where Starlink has been operating at capacity—this upgrade could mean a much-needed expansion in availability. The number of people I personally know who are on the waiting list is staggering.

What’s Changing with Starlink?
SpaceX has filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the U.S. for approval of three new Starlink dish models:

A standard consumer model with improved performance.
A high-performance dish offering gigabit speeds for power users.
A compact, portable dish for mobility.
These upgrades show that SpaceX is not only enhancing speed but also optimising satellite bandwidth usage.

The new dishes are likely to support more users per satellite cell, which would mean an improvement in congestion in high-demand areas.

What This Means for Harare
In Zimbabwe, Starlink has faced capacity challenges, leaving many potential customers unable to sign up. The introduction of more advanced satellites could mean:

Increased network capacity, allowing more Harare residents to connect.
Faster speeds, especially for businesses and high-demand users.
Better reliability, as the new technology may reduce network strain.
This comes from a planned upgrade for the Starlink constellation, which will involve using a broader range of radio spectrum.

If SpaceX goes through with these upgrades globally, Harare and other areas that are at capacity could see expanded access.

This right here is why Zimbabwean internet providers should not rest on their laurels thinking this whole Starlink capacity issue will persist indefinitely.

SpaceX has access to billions and barring regulatory challenges, will improve its capacity constraints quicker than you would imagine.

We have seen a response but time will tell if what they are offering will be enough to stop people from getting on the $30 unlimited internet at speeds occasionally above 100Mbps. Oh, and with zero interest access to get the kits on credit.

Looking Ahead
While official confirmation on rollout timeline is still pending, the FCC filings indicate that SpaceX is preparing for a significant network upgrade.

For Harare users waiting to join Starlink or experiencing congestion, all the above could soon mean more available slots and better service.

For now, my dear Zimbos you should watch for updates from Starlink and its local partners—improvements in hardware and satellite efficiency may soon make Starlink internet accessible to many more.

I’ll add this. I don’t want to see Starlink completely take over the market and so my hope is that local players will take this time to grab as many people as they can and get them hooked and loyal.

Humans don’t like change and if they are getting a good deal, comparably priced at similar performance, or cheaper at lower performance, they likely won’t be tempted to sign up for Starlink when capacity opens up.

For installations and other network related services, contact Eland Networks and Services or visit our page for more information, we provide the following services 👇
Network Infrastructure & UpgradesWiFi and Fibre connectionsAlarm Systems InstallationGen 2&3 customized bracketStarlink InstallationsCCTV InstallationsVSat Installation Surround Sound Security GuardsElectric FenceTV MountingGate MotorsData PointsCar Alarms
Contacts details: +263 78 430 9012
+263 71 970 0872

Address :3466 Glaudina Ext Harare
Emails : [email protected]

04/02/2025

"Welcome to Eland Networks and Security Services (Est. Jan 2023). Empowering Connections, Enabling Growth. Experts in CCTV, network infrastructure, alarm systems, Starlink, electric fences, gate motors & security guards."

Your one-stop-shop for all your home and business technology needs. From network infrastructure and upgrades to WiFi, fibre connections, and Starlink installations, we've got you covered. Our services also include alarm systems, CCTV installations, VSat installation, and more. Let us help you secure and connect your space with our expert technicians and top-notch equipment.

24/01/2025

Starlink Launches Interest-Free Instalment Plans For Zimbabwean Customers
22 January 2025
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Starlink has introduced interest-free instalment plans to help Zimbabwean customers purchase its Mini Kit, significantly lowering the upfront costs and making satellite internet more accessible across the country.

Payment Plans and Requirements
Starlink now offers two instalment options:

6-month plan: $25 per month
9-month plan: $16.67 per month
Both options require:

A $50 initial deposit
A $23 delivery fee
This reduces the initial payment from $223 to just $73, a major financial relief for many Zimbabweans. Since the instalment plans are interest-free, the 9-month option is expected to be the most popular.

After receiving the kit, customers are required to pay a monthly subscription fee of at least $30, in addition to the instalment payments. For example, the 9-month plan results in a total monthly cost of $46.67 ($16.67 instalment + $30 subscription).

Availability and Ordering Process
Starlink kits are currently sold out in Harare, nearby towns, and parts of Bulawayo but remain available in other areas of Zimbabwe. To place an order:

Visit starlink.com.
Click “Order Now.”
Enter your delivery address and complete the order form.
Use a prepaid Mastercard, Visa card, or virtual Mastercard (EcoCash and OMari-supported).
Important: Customers are advised to have $90 available during the initial payment to account for potential bank charges.

Benefits of Starlink in Zimbabwe
Starlink’s service is particularly beneficial for rural and underserved areas where traditional internet infrastructure is limited or non-existent. By providing reliable, high-speed satellite internet, Starlink is bridging Zimbabwe’s digital divide, enabling access to education, remote work, and e-commerce opportunities for more people.

The introduction of instalment plans is a game-changer, further democratizing access to cutting-edge connectivity and making it affordable for a broader segment of Zimbabwe’s population

High-speed internet. Available almost anywhere on Earth.

28/12/2024

For all your customized brackets and installations don't hesitate to call us on 0784309012

For other services we provide the following:
Network Infrastructure & UpgradesDSTV installations & UpgradesWiFi and Fibre connectionsAlarm Systems InstallationGen 2&3 customized bracketStarlink InstallationsCCTV InstallationsVSat Installation Surround Sound Security GuardsElectric FenceTV MountingGate MotorsData PointsCar Alarms
Contacts details: +263 78 430 9012
+263 71 970 0872

Address :3466 Glaudina Ext Harare
Emails : [email protected]

16/11/2024

For all your Starlink Installations customized brackets, in and outdoor range extenders.. please contact Eland Networks and Services 0784309012.

We Provide other services:

CCTV
ALARM SYSTEMS
ELECTRIC FENCE
GATE MOTORS
TV Mounting
Surround Sound
Network infrastructure and upgrades
Etc...!!

12/11/2024

31/10/2024

STARLINK CAPACITY AND ROAM EXPLAINED

STARLINK relies on low earth orbit satellites to deliver high speed internet to users across the world. As good as the technology is, there are limitations.

Each satellite in space has a fixed amount of bandwidth that can only support a certain number of users simultaneously while maintaining quality service. When too many users are connected, adding more subscribers would reduce speeds and reliability for everyone on the network. Such a case is seen in very high density cities, such as Lusaka, Harare, Nairobi, Lagos, Accra etc. Having a huge number of users in a small geographical area "overloads" the satellites in the sky, and affects every users speeds. To maintain reliable, high speed internet, STARLINK has to restrict new users in the DARK BLUE area shown on the map below.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR ME ?

- If you have a registered kit in the dark blue area, your kit will run like normal. If you decide to change your location to a place outside the dark area, you will not be able to register it back in the dark blue area.
- If you have an unregistered kit, you are NOT able to register it in the dark blue area, but you are able to register it in the light blue area. Your kit CANNOT be used in the dark blue area. If you register in the light blue area and try use it in the dark blue area, upon powering the dish, you will receive a location error and you will have to use it in the registered location.
- If you have an existing account with a registered kit in the dark blue area, you CANNOT add a new kit to your account in the dark blue area. You can add a kit in the light blue area
- If you are outside the dark blue area and intend to use it there, you can register and use your kit like normal with no issues.
- If you are unsure as to whether you will be able to activate a kit in your location, a good estimate is to map 150km from central Lusaka city to your place. If you are 150km away in any direction, you will likely be able to activate a kit. Still, verify this on starlink.com/map or get in touch with STELLAR SYSTEMS and a rep will guide you.

WHAT ABOUT ROAMING ?

- Previously, there was an option to subscribe to ROAM plan and use it in Lusaka, for a higher monthly fee. This is currently NOT possible as the ROAM plan has been removed in all of Africa. We are unsure as to when or if it will be restored. We are waiting feedback from STARLINK regarding this.
- If you are currently subscribed to the ROAM plan, you CANNOT change it to residential in the dark blue area. The ROAM plan for existing STARLINK users is currently still ACTIVE provided you are using it within your registered country / not exceeding 60 days out of your registered country. We are unsure as to what will happen to existing ROAM subscribers and awaiting feedback from STARLINK regarding this.
- If you have an existing account with a kit registered on the ROAM plan, you CANNOT add another kit onto the ROAM plan.

SO WHATS NEXT ?

- SpaceX is actively launching satellites into space to expand service to more users around the world. With the high demand around the world and not just Lusaka, expect some delays in expansion. There are currently many cities around the world which require expansion and so, SpaceX alone knows how and where to expand. Their criteria depends on how long the required area has been on an expansion waitlist, the number of users etc. The exact timeframe is unknown to anyone but SpaceX engineers. We can only predict this may take months, but SpaceX can be surprising sometimes!
- You are still able to purchase a kit from STELLAR SYSTEMS and monitor the capacity situation at starlink.com/map and immediately activate once service is expanded in the dark blue area. This may be of benefit to you as we expect price increases set by starlink, as seen on starlink.com
- The ROAM plan may or may not return to Africa. Alot of misuse of the ROAM plan has been noted by STARLINK, and this could potentially result in a permanent removal of the ROAM plan in Africa. We can only hope this is not the case and will update you as soon as we get some feedback from STARLINK regarding this.

If you are unaffected by the capacity area (Kabwe, Mumbwa, Mazabuka, Luangwa and beyond), you are able to purchase a kit from STELLAR SYSTEMS and use a RESIDENTIAL/PRIORITY plan as normal

23/10/2024

We do Starlink customized brackets and Starlink installations.

You can buy the customized brackets from us as well and do your own installation.
We charge $50 per installation

We do have Starlink Mini. $350
We do have Starlink Gen 2. $450
We do have Starlink Gen 3 standard Kits $500
Unregistered Kits

We do installations in and out of Harare.

Contact us on 0784309012

19/10/2024

For all your Starlink customized brackets, Installations, network extensions ... Don't hesitate to contact us: 0784309012

19/10/2024

Welcome to Eland Networks and Services