PowerTel Communications has expressed confidence in its ability to compete with the recently launched Starlink satellite internet service in Zimbabwe, asserting that its own internet speeds and affordability are unmatched.
Speaking at a connectivity products briefing in Harare, Acting Managing Director Willard Nyagwande revealed that the company has allocated US$10 million to enhance its service and maintain a competitive edge.
“Starlink offers speeds of up to 250 Mbps, but our service can reach Gigabit per second,” Nyagwande stated. “We can run a side-by-side test, and our fibre will outperform.”
He added that PowerTel employs a range of technologies, including satellite, 5G, and fibre optics, leveraging ZESA pylons across the country to provide universal access to data and electricity, targeting both urban and rural markets.
PowerTel, a subsidiary of ZESA, operates an extensive optic fibre network and has recently connected 200km of fibre to Bikita Minerals to address industry challenges.
Nyagwande emphasized that fibre is not only faster but also more cost-effective than satellite internet, positioning PowerTel as a strong competitor in Zimbabwe’s growing digital landscape.
