Starlink, the satellite internet service provider under SpaceX, is facing regulatory hurdles in South Africa that are preventing its launch in the country. In a recent public appeal, Starlink has urged South African citizens to directly contact the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) to support proposed changes to licensing regulations that would allow the service to operate in the country.
The appeal comes after a policy directive issued by South Africa’s Department of Communications and Digital Technologies instructed ICASA to update its rules to recognize Equity Equivalent Investment Programs (EEIPs) within the ICT sector. Starlink believes that these changes are crucial for obtaining the required licenses to launch its service in South Africa. The company highlighted that the directive received overwhelming support from 90% of participants during a public consultation process.
According to Starlink, by making just four corrections in the licensing regulations, the service could be made available nationwide within weeks. To facilitate citizen participation, Starlink included a pre-written email template for individuals to send directly to ICASA. The company emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that every day of delay keeps millions offline.
Despite initial progress that suggested Starlink was nearing a launch in South Africa, the directive has faced opposition from members of parliament, including Khusela Sangoni Diko, who chairs the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies. The dispute primarily centers around South Africa’s requirement for telecom license holders to maintain at least 30% ownership by historically disadvantaged groups.
Starlink has pledged to comply fully with Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) rules and has committed to investing R500 million ($30 million) in providing high-speed internet connectivity and equipment to 5,000 rural schools in South Africa. The company aims to expand its footprint in Africa, with plans to launch Starlink Direct to Cell service in the region in 2026.
South Africa remains one of the few African markets where Starlink has yet to secure a license, despite the service being available in over two dozen countries across the continent. The decision by South Africa’s communications regulator could have broader implications for Starlink’s expansion in the region. SpaceX made headlines last year when it filed for FCC approval to launch an additional 15,000 next-generation Starlink satellites. The purpose of these satellites is to supercharge SpaceX’s Direct to Cell service, which aims to provide cellular connectivity directly to smartphones.
The Direct to Cell service is a revolutionary concept that could potentially change the way we access and use our smartphones. Instead of relying on traditional cellular towers, SpaceX’s Starlink satellites will beam connectivity directly to smartphones, ensuring a more reliable and seamless connection.
With the addition of 15,000 new satellites, SpaceX is looking to expand its reach and provide coverage to even more remote and underserved areas. This move could have a significant impact on bridging the digital divide and bringing high-speed internet access to those who currently lack it.
The next-generation Starlink satellites are expected to be more advanced and efficient than their predecessors, allowing for faster speeds and better connectivity. This will not only benefit individual smartphone users but also businesses, schools, and other organizations that rely on reliable internet access.
Overall, SpaceX’s plans to launch an additional 15,000 Starlink satellites for its Direct to Cell service are a bold step towards revolutionizing the way we access cellular connectivity. As the world becomes increasingly reliant on smartphones for communication, work, and entertainment, initiatives like these are crucial in ensuring that everyone has access to high-quality internet services.