Could Starlink cut off some users in Zimbabwe?

Starlink has tightened restrictions on international roaming, putting Zimbabwean users who rely on accounts registered in other countries at risk of losing their satellite internet connections.

The changes affect customers using foreign-registered Starlink equipment in Zimbabwe, particularly those who have relied on international roaming to access the service.

According to Starlink’s updated support documentation, customers on its Roam Unlimited package can use their service outside their registered home country for a maximum of 30 consecutive days.

The company previously allowed customers to use the service abroad for up to 60 consecutive days.

The new rules took effect for customers signing up from 14 July 2026, while existing subscribers transitioned to the updated policy on 17 August 2026.

Starlink tightens international roaming rules

Under the updated conditions, customers who exceed the 30-day international roaming allowance must either return their equipment to their registered home country, transfer their accounts to the country where they are using the service or upgrade to a Global Business package.

Starlink has also restricted international access for customers using other Roam packages.

Its 100GB and 300GB roaming packages are now intended for use within the country where the account is registered or an eligible regional grouping.

Customers requiring international connectivity must upgrade to Roam Unlimited or move to an appropriate business package.

Starlink’s Business service, currently marketed as Local Priority, allows up to 60 days of international use until 1 December 2026.

Thereafter, the allowance will also fall to 30 days.

Zimbabweans face potential disconnections

The changes could affect Zimbabweans who purchased Starlink equipment registered in countries such as Zambia, Mozambique, France and the United Kingdom.

Some customers turned to foreign-registered accounts when local residential subscriptions were difficult to obtain because of capacity constraints.

However, the latest restrictions make it increasingly difficult to use international roaming as a permanent alternative to a Zimbabwe-registered subscription.

My Zimbabwe News reported in September that some customers had already experienced service restrictions after exceeding the new roaming allowance.

Starlink has also introduced travel registration requirements for customers using their equipment outside their registered countries. These may include submitting a passport or other government-issued identification.

The company says the verification process helps ensure that international users comply with local regulations.

Zimbabwean customers using locally registered accounts are not automatically affected by the international roaming restrictions.

The changes, however, present a challenge for those relying on foreign subscriptions to stay connected.

Starlink advises customers to check their account status and applicable service conditions before travelling or continuing to use their equipment abroad.