SpaceX’s Starlink is on the verge of launching in South Africa after a significant regulatory change removed a major obstacle that had been preventing the satellite internet provider from entering the country. The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies in South Africa, Solly Malatsi, issued a new directive — Notice 3692 — instructing the telecom regulator ICASA to fully apply the 2016 ICT Sector Code for Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) when evaluating license applications.
This policy shift now allows foreign-owned companies like SpaceX to comply with South Africa’s requirement that 30% of telecom license holders be owned by historically disadvantaged groups through Equity Equivalent Investment Programmes. These programs can include investments in digital-skills development, black-owned suppliers, or community initiatives. Previously, only equity ownership was considered, making it difficult for SpaceX to enter the market, as Elon Musk had been unwilling to sell local equity stakes in Starlink.
The decision to update the policy was met with overwhelming public support, with over 90% of the more than 15,000 public submissions favoring the change. This move aligns with SpaceX’s proposal to ICASA in August 2025, where the company endorsed an equity-equivalent model and committed approximately R500 million (~$28 million USD) to provide free Starlink-powered Wi-Fi and hardware to 5,000 rural schools in South Africa. This initiative is part of a larger R2.5 billion (~$145 million USD) investment in local infrastructure.
If finalized, this rule change would pave the way for Starlink to operate in South Africa’s most industrialized economy without having to give up ownership, potentially leading to significantly improved high-speed connectivity, especially in rural areas where only 1.7% of households currently have internet access.
The timing of this development coincides with SpaceX’s rapid global expansion of the Starlink service. With over eight million users across 150 countries and territories, recent launches in countries like South Korea and Kenya, and a new subscriber record in Kenya, approval in a major African market like South Africa would further solidify Starlink’s global presence.
The regulatory breakthrough in South Africa represents a significant milestone for Starlink and could finally provide millions of users in the country with access to affordable and reliable internet options.
In related SpaceX news, the company has also made strides in other areas, including a partnership with NetJets to bring Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet to around 600 aircraft in their private jet fleet by the end of 2026. Additionally, Elon Musk has hinted at SpaceX’s plans to go public in the near future, signaling further growth and expansion for the company.
Overall, these developments highlight the continued success and expansion of SpaceX’s Starlink service, bringing high-speed internet access to more people around the world. The world is constantly changing, and with that change comes new challenges and opportunities. One of the biggest challenges facing society today is climate change. The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent, with rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and melting ice caps.
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