Starlink demand persists in South Africa despite regulatory barriers

The use of Starlink in South Africa has experienced a notable surge despite warnings from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa). Notably, over 14,000 Starlink kits have been imported into the country in the past year, even though the service is not officially approved, according to a report by MyBroadband.

Two prominent companies facilitating the import and activation of Starlink for South Africans, namely IcasaSePush and Starsat Africa, operate out of Mozambique to sidestep potential legal conflicts with Icasa. This regulatory authority maintains that the use or provision of Starlink in South Africa is unlawful.

IcasaSePush reported selling 1,463 kits to South Africans since its launch in September 2023, catering to a diverse customer base ranging from large multinational businesses to small local enterprises. Similarly, Starsat Africa claims over 12,000 customers as of November 2023, emphasizing its role in bridging the digital divide in Southern Africa.

Despite Icasa’s legal warnings, both companies have seen a steady increase in demand for Starlink. IcasaSePush disclosed receiving around 200 Starlink queries daily and expressed optimism about selling more than 600 kits monthly by the end of January 2024.

StarSat Africa, facing legal action from Icasa, has retained a substantial customer base, with over 12,000 sign-ups as of November 2023. The company’s customer retention is noteworthy, with consumers not dismantling their dishes or canceling packages despite regulatory threats.

Icasa’s assertion regarding the illegality of Starlink in South Africa hinges on the absence of type approval for the equipment. However, Starsat challenges this claim, pointing out that Icasa’s warning does not explicitly state that the Starlink kit is not approved. The regulatory body refers to a table listing type-approved Starlink equipment, including the Starlink router, but does not mention the dish.

In light of South Africa’s severe power crisis, consumers have turned to Starlink’s low-latency, high-speed service, unaffected by load-shedding. This underscores South Africans’ reputation as avid internet users, seeking reliable connectivity amid challenging circumstances.

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) issued a warning last year, declaring the use of Starlink, the satellite internet service by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, illegal due to pending regulatory requirements. This announcement aimed to dissuade consumers from utilising Starlink until the company secures local licensing.

Despite Icasa’s regulatory measures, South African consumers continue to acquire Starlink kits from vendors in neighboring markets where the service is legally available.

Legal Ambiguities and Consumer Response

Amid legal ambiguities surrounding Icasa’s position on Starlink, Starsat challenges the regulatory body’s assertion by pointing out that Icasa’s warning does not explicitly state that the Starlink kit is not approved. While Icasa references a table listing type-approved Starlink equipment, including the Starlink router, it notably omits mention of the dish. This legal nuance has become a focal point in the ongoing debate over the legality of Starlink in South Africa.

Despite Icasa’s stern warnings, South African consumers seem undeterred. The country’s severe power crisis has further fueled the demand for Starlink, thanks to its low-latency, high-speed service unaffected by load-shedding. This highlights the adaptive nature of consumers, who prioritize reliable connectivity in the face of challenging circumstances.

Global Approval vs. Local Compliance

The story takes a global turn as the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has already granted type approval for Starlink. However, this approval, valid for countries like Mozambique to export Starlink kits to other markets, is yet to be mirrored in South Africa. The disparity between global approval and local compliance remains a central theme in the ongoing Starlink saga in the region.

As the demand for Starlink in South Africa continues to rise, the intersection of global technological advancements and local regulatory intricacies shapes the trajectory of the satellite internet service’s presence in the country. The unfolding narrative underscores the challenges and opportunities presented by the evolving landscape of internet connectivity in the region.