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AURA Group partners ZB Bank – QUPA micro finance to bring Starlink to the education sector

The strategic alliance promises to extend high-speed satellite internet to underserved communities, unlocking critical opportunities in education, healthcare, and commerce.

IN a bold move aimed at transforming access to digital infrastructure across Zimbabwe, AURA Group an officially licensed Starlink reseller, has partnered with ZB Bank’s microfinance arm, QUPA. 

This strategic alliance promises to extend high-speed satellite internet to underserved communities, unlocking critical opportunities in education, healthcare, and commerce.

Satellite connectivity meets the digital divide

Traditional broadband infrastructure — fibre and cellular towers — has often been too costly to deploy in Zimbabwe’s remote and rural regions.

But with Starlink’s constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites, those barriers are being dismantled. 

Delivering download speeds above 300 Mbps and latency average of 25 - 60ms, Starlink turns isolated locations into globally connected hubs.

Governments and NGOs have responded swiftly, leveraging this new technology to power community Wi-Fi networks and rural digital services.

However, successful deployment demands more than hardware — it hinges on local training, regulatory navigation, and sustainable economic models.

AURA & QUPA: Financing the future

AURA Group and QUPA partnership: Unlocking digital access for rural schools

The strategic partnership between AURA Group and QUPA introduces an innovative microfinance-backed acquisition model, empowering individuals and institutions to access Starlink internet kits on flexible payment terms. 

This ground breaking financial solution significantly lowers the barrier to entry, making reliable, high-speed internet a realistic goal for rural schools, whether they need a basic connection or a fully integrated digital learning solution.

Beyond Starlink connectivity, the financing facility extends to solar backup systems and essential digital learning hardware, including interactive learning boards, laptops, tablets and desktops. 

This holistic approach supports schools in embracing digital education, even in areas traditionally left behind by infrastructure.

With affordable financing and unrestricted connectivity, rural Zimbabwe is poised for a transformational digital leap — bridging the education gap and unlocking new opportunities for learners and educators alike.

Transforming Education in Rural Zimbabwe

Following licensing by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe, Starlink has been rolled out in remote school districts with transformative results. 

Blended learning initiatives combining in-person instruction with streamed lessons and global seminars are expanding the curriculum to include STEM, coding, and e-learning platforms.

Telemedicine: A new frontier in rural health

In health centres across Zimbabwe, particularly in remote zones like Gokwe Nembudziya, Starlink connectivity has revolutionised rural care. 

Clinics now conduct HD teleconsultations, transmit diagnostics and lab results remotely, and coordinate emergency responses in real time with hospitals in urban centers.

The result? Doubled consultation volumes and faster turnaround times for critical treatments all thanks to reliable satellite broadband.

AURA Group’s impact plan: Advancing digital equity in schools

AURA Group’s commitment to education goes beyond providing connectivity. 

Through the “Impact Plan package” for schools, the company is enabling sustainable digital transformation in rural and underserved communities.

Key pillars of the education-focused Impact Plan include:

  • Up to 64% discounts on Starlink subscriptions for all educational institutions, making high-speed internet more accessible and affordable.
  • Performance monitoring: Deployment of a digital dashboard to track uptime, bandwidth, and user experience, allowing for proactive support and data-informed decision-making.

This school-centered package is not only enhancing learning outcomes—it sets a new benchmark for ethical, inclusive, and sustainable digital education infrastructure in Africa.

AURA also recommends the Standard Starlink Kit as the optimal choice for schools over basic mini kits. Its advantages include:

  • Higher user capacity, supporting more simultaneous connections — perfect for multiple classrooms and school-wide access.
  • Stronger bandwidth and greater stability, ensuring seamless use of online learning platforms, video conferencing, and digital content.
  • Enhanced reliability in remote and off-grid areas, with better performance in varying weather and power conditions.
  • Future-ready scalability, allowing integration with smart boards, cloud-based systems, and other digital learning tools.

To make this solution even more accessible, schools can access the facility at all ZB Bank branches across Zimbabwe and through AURA offices nationwide. 

This wide distribution network ensures convenience and support at every step —from application to installation and beyond.

Together, AURA and its partners are not just connecting schools — they are empowering them with the infrastructure, tools, and training needed for long-term digital success. 

This model sets a new standard for inclusive, ethical, and sustainable digital education across Africa.

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