The state of Zimbabwe’s internet and mobile networks industry report for Q4 2024 is finally out! We get to see what the numbers and what the impact Starlink has been on Zimbabwe so far. We went through it and here some interesting things to note.

Starlink is officially changing the internet game in Zimbabwe. As of Dec 2024, Zim had ~20,000 Starlink subscriptions — and that number is surely higher now as we’re well past first quarter 2021. In all likelihood, it would have doubled!

In just 3 months, Starlink grabbed a quarter of all fibre subscriptions (~80k total). That’s despite Harare selling out capacity within a month of launch. If Starlink expands capacity, it could overtake fibre this year. But only if fibre providers don’t ramp up signups and marketing.

On to mobile data connectivity, 5G rollout is accelerating. Zim now has 120 5G base stations — up 48% in just 3 months. The good news? Operators are still adding more 4G towers than 5G, which is just practical.

Let’s be real: current 5G coverage doesn’t justify the 5G phone craze in Zim. It’ll take years for widespread coverage — unless you already live in a 5G area, you don’t need a 5G device yet. But yes, this 5G growth is still very positive.