Bulawayo hits Starlink capacity

Bulawayo residents eager to join the Starlink internet revolution have hit a snag - the satellite service has reached full capacity in the city.

Those attempting to sign up online are now greeted with a notice stating that the network is currently maxed out, forcing new users onto a waiting list.

"Starlink service is currently at capacity in your area. However, the good news is you can still place a deposit now to reserve your spot on the waitlist," reads the message on the Starlink website.

The company explains that while there is no confirmed timeframe for when new connections will become available, engineers are working to expand satellite capacity and improve coverage.

The development has frustrated many tech enthusiasts in Bulawayo, some of whom had hoped to ditch unreliable local internet providers. Others took to social media to joke that Bulawayo had "broken the internet" due to overwhelming demand.

Since its rollout in Zimbabwe earlier this year, Starlink - operated by Elon Musk's SpaceX - has transformed the country's connectivity landscape, delivering high-speed internet even in remote areas.

But for now, in Bulawayo, the digital fast lane is jammed - and residents will have to wait their turn to log in.