POTRAZ Contradicts President Mnangagwa on Starlink – No Exclusive Rights for Wicknell Chivayo’s IMC Communications
In a surprising turn of events, the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) has contradicted President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s recent announcement regarding Wicknell Chivayo’s IMC Communications company having exclusive partnership rights with Starlink.
Potraz clarified its stance on the issuance of Internet Service Provider (ISP) licenses, stating that none of the licenses issued carry sole or exclusive rights to partner with global satellite internet provider Starlink.
Also Read: Groundbreaking Move: President Emmerson Mnangagwa Approves Starlink Licensing in Zimbabwe
No Exclusive Rights for IMC Communications
Speaking to The Herald, POTRAZ Director-General Dr. Gift Machengete stated that the regulatory body does not issue exclusive licenses for any telecommunication services, including internet services.
“In our license categories, we have no licenses for exclusivity. Our licences are not technology-specific, in this case, the service that we are licensing is internet service provision,” he said.
Despite IMC Communications’ recent approval for an ISP license, Dr Machengete made it clear that the company has not yet been granted the official license document due to pending processes.
He revealed that the license will not include any sole or exclusivity rights to partner with Starlink when it is issued.
This contradicts President Mnangagwa’s announcement that IMC Communications was the sole partner for Starlink.
President Mnangagwa’s Announcement
On May 25, 2024, President Mnangagwa announced the exclusive partnership between Starlink and IMC Communications.
He stated he had approved the licensing of Starlink by Potraz through its sole and exclusive partner, IMC Communications.
“I’m pleased to announce that I have approved the licensing of Starlink by POTRAZ to provide advanced internet and related digital processing services in Zimbabwe through its sole and exclusive local partner, IMC Communications (Pvt) Ltd,” reads President Mnangagwa’s statement.
With POTRAZ’s latest revelation, it appears that the exclusivity rights initially announced by President Mnangagwa for IMC Communications have been withdrawn.
Also Read: Potraz Approves IMC Communications’ Internet Service License in Partnership with Elon Musk’s Starlink
POTRAZ’s Non-Exclusive Licensing Policy
POTRAZ licensing policy allows any licensed ISP to partner with technology providers like Starlink.
“This means that anyone who has our license, if it is an ISP, that person can go to Starlink, that person can go to Liquid, that person can use any technology,” Dr. Machengete added.
It has issued several ISP licenses to both prospective and existing operators, emphasizing that none of these licenses carry sole or exclusive rights.
The regulator confirmed that all issued licenses are compliant with Zimbabwe’s competition laws, which prohibit exclusive service agreements.
Follow Us on Google News for Immediate Updates
#POTRAZ #Contradicts #President #Mnangagwa #Starlink #Exclusive #Rights #Wicknell #Chivayos #IMC #Communications
