Starlink: Revolutionary technology or threat to Zimbabwe’s sovereignty?
STARLINK is a project by SpaceX, a private company owned by billionaire Elon Musk, to provide internet access to every corner of the world using thousands of low-orbit satellites. Starlink promises to offer fast and reliable internet service without any hassle or hidden fees.
It had also planned to offer global mobile phone service by the end of 2023.
While this may seem like a wonderful opportunity for developing countries like Zimbabwe, there are also many reasons to be sceptical of Starlink and its implications for the country’s independence, security and development.
First of all, Starlink is not a neutral or altruistic service. It is a commercial venture that seeks to profit from the data and information of its users.
Starlink has not revealed how it will protect the privacy and security of its customers, nor how it will respect the laws and regulations of different countries.
There is a risk that Starlink could use its satellites for unethical data mining and spying, as well as the eventual exploitation of third world countries by America.
For example, the US has been accused of using its satellites to spy on other countries, such as China, Iran and Russia, and to interfere with their communications and navigation systems. Starlink could also be used to spread propaganda and misinformation, or to censor and manipulate the internet access of its users.
Secondly, Starlink is not a sustainable or responsible use of space.
It is a massive constellation of thousands of satellites that orbit the planet much closer to Earth than traditional satellites, creating a huge amount of space debris and increasing the chances of collisions and interference with other spacecraft. Starlink also uses optical space lasers to transmit data without local ground stations, which could pose a threat to other satellites and potentially weaponise space.
For example, China and Russia have expressed concerns that the US could use its satellites to launch attacks on their space assets, or to disrupt their military and civilian operations.
Thirdly, Starlink is not a fair or inclusive service.
It is a monopoly that could undermine the competition and innovation of other internet providers, especially local ones that could offer more affordable and tailored solutions for the needs and preferences of Zimbabweans.
Starlink also could create a digital divide between those who can afford its service and those who cannot, as well as between urban and rural areas, where the availability and quality of the system could vary significantly.
Therefore, Zimbabwe should not trust Starlink blindly and should carefully evaluate the pros and cons of using satellite internet.
Zimbabwe should not accept Starlink without negotiating the terms and conditions that would protect the interests and rights of its citizens. Zimbabwe should also explore other alternatives and options that could provide better and more ethical internet access for its people, such as investing in its own infrastructure and collaborating with other regional and international partners.
Starlink may look like an easy and convenient solution for Zimbabwe’s internet problems, but it is not a magic bullet.
It is a complex and controversial technology that carries with it a set of values and agendas that may not match with Zimbabwe’s vision and values.
Zimbabwe should be cautious and critical about Starlink, and not let it dictate its future.
That said, Zimbabwe should not completely dismiss Starlink but must ensure that the technology does not in any way threaten the wellbeing of the nation.
There is no doubt that with proper use, Starlink has the potential to benefit developing countries like Zimbabwe in many ways, especially in terms of economic, social, and political development.
By providing access to online markets, services, education, and information, Starlink could boost the economic growth and productivity of Zimbabwe, as well as reduce the costs and barriers of doing business.
The facility could also improve the quality and efficiency of public services and infrastructure, such as e-government, e-health, e-education, and e-agriculture, as well as enhance the management and monitoring of critical infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, dams, power grids, and water systems.
Furthermore, Starlink could foster the diversification and competitiveness of the Zimbabwean economy, by stimulating new sectors and industries, such as information and communication technology, space technology, renewable energy, and tourism, as well as attracting foreign investment and talent to Zimbabwe.
Starlink could improve the social inclusion and empowerment of marginalised and vulnerable groups in Zimbabwe, such as women, youth, rural dwellers, and ethnic minorities, as well as help them to voice their opinions, needs, and aspirations, and to participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives.
The technology could also enhance the cultural diversity and identity of Zimbabwe, by preserving and promoting its rich and varied heritage, as well as fostering mutual understanding and respect among different cultures.
Starlink can also strengthen the human capital and potential of Zimbabwe, by improving the quality and accessibility of education and health services, as well as enhancing the career prospects and mobility of Zimbabweans.
By increasing the transparency and participation of its citizens and institutions, Starlink could improve the democratic governance and accountability of Zimbabwe, as well as enable Zimbabweans to access and share information about their government, and to report and expose corruption, mismanagement, and human rights violations.
Starlink could also enhance the security and stability of Zimbabwe, by reducing the risks and impacts of conflicts, disasters, and emergencies, as well as enabling Zimbabweans to access and share early warning and response information, and to coordinate and cooperate with local and international actors.
Furthermore, Starlink could foster the regional and global integration and cooperation of Zimbabwe, by facilitating its involvement and contribution to various initiatives and platforms, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area, the Belt and Road Initiative, the Sustainable Development Goals, the African Union, the United Nations, and the Paris Agreement.
Without a doubt, Starlink is a revolutionary technology that could transform the lives and futures of millions of people in developing countries like Zimbabwe. Starlink could offer unprecedented opportunities and benefits for economic, social, and political development, as well as for overcoming the challenges and gaps that these countries face.
However, Starlink also poses some risks and challenges, such as regulatory, legal, ethical, and environmental issues, as well as potential conflicts and inequalities. Therefore, Starlink should be implemented and used with caution and responsibility, and with the involvement and consent of the local stakeholders and communities.
Starlink should not be seen as a panacea or a substitute for other forms of development, but rather as a complement and an enabler. Starlink should be used for the common good and the public interest, and not for the private gain and the vested interest. Starlink should be a tool for empowerment and not for exploitation. Starlink should be a force for good and not for evil. ◆ Jacqueline Ntaka is the CEO of Mviyo Technologies, a local tech company.
◆ Feedback: jackie.ntaka@mviyo.com.