It includes progressive provisions based on submissions made by key stakeholders like MISA Zimbabwe and the umbrella Media Alliance of Zimbabwe (MAZ), among others, during the earlier consultative processes and Writeshops with crucial stakeholders such as the government parliamentarians. Its emphasis on enhancing transparency, fostering inclusivity, and promoting local content is commendable. However, it also includes certain problematic provisions that require finetuning to align with the best regional and international practices. In a positive development for Zimbabwe’s digital telecommunications ecosystem, Elon Musk, the founder of Starlink, announced that the high-speed, low-latency internet service has activated its signal and is now available in the country. This is indeed a game-changer for connectivity in remote areas, as it will empower marginalised communities with the tools needed for education, healthcare, business, and personal development. Zimbabweans have long complained of high-cost internet, low speeds, and poor connectivity services, hence MISA Zimbabwe’s #DataMustFall campaign over the years. Starlink’s entry provides competition in the Internet space for improved services and bridging the digital divide. However, MISA Zimbabwe continues to advocate for developing policies that promote infrastructure improvement in telecommunications systems rather than depending on ‘wholly imported’ technology such as the Low Earth Obit Satellite (LEOS). The aim is to connect the entire society sustainably. This requires transparent management and deployment of the Universal Services Funds (USF) to ensure the whole country is connected, leaving no one behind. PROGRAMMES Broadcasting Sector MISA Zimbabwe and the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe (MAZ) organised caucus meetings and participated in public hearings in Harare, Marondera, Mutare, Masvingo, Bulawayo, Bubi, and Kwekwe to mobilise citizens and key stakeholders, articulating their positions on the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill. Radio programmes were also held with ZiFM Stereo in Harare and Great Zimbabwe Campus Radio in Masvingo for broader audience reach and mobilisation of the organisations’ positions on the Bill. Stakeholders such as journalists, people with disabilities, content creators and academics attended the hearings. Participants generally focused on Section 38 of the Bill on the ZBC licence fees. Some of the participants supported this proposal even though their reasons for doing so were not coherent. 6 MISA Zimbabwe Annual Report 2024