Starlink, the satellite internet service developed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is encountering significant challenges in Southern Africa, particularly in Lesotho. Similar to the situation in South Africa, where Musk has been vocal about his opposition to the country’s telecommunications ownership regulations, Starlink is now facing resistance regarding local equity requirements in Lesotho. A local rights organization known as Section 2 is advocating for Starlink to allocate 30% of its ownership to Basotho citizens as a prerequisite for obtaining a license to operate in the country.
Section 2 has formally presented its concerns to the Lesotho Communications Authority, arguing that the proposed licensing agreement is inequitable due to the absence of local ownership. The organization highlighted that other telecommunications providers in Lesotho, such as Econet and Vodacom, have local shareholders, raising the question of why Starlink should be exempt from similar requirements. They contend that the current structure, which sees Starlink Lesotho fully owned by Starlink Holdings Netherlands, effectively excludes Basotho citizens from reaping the benefits of the service.
Elon Musk has previously expressed his frustrations regarding South Africa’s telecommunications regulations, labeling them as unfair and suggesting that they discriminate against him based on race, stating on X that he feels targeted because he is “not black.” This contention has already led to delays in Starlink’s launch in South Africa, and now it appears that Lesotho may be facing a parallel situation.
Despite these hurdles, Starlink has successfully launched its services in several other Southern African nations, including Eswatini, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. Namibia is also on the verge of receiving Starlink services, with a launch anticipated later this year. However, in both Lesotho and South Africa, the situation remains uncertain, resembling a waiting game as negotiations and discussions unfold.
According to Starlink’s availability map, the service is projected to be accessible in Lesotho by 2025. However, with the ongoing ownership dispute, this timeline may be subject to change. Currently, the standoff between Musk’s ambitions for satellite internet expansion and the demands for local ownership reflects a broader tension between foreign investment and local stakeholder inclusion. The outcome of this situation remains to be seen, as both parties navigate the complexities of regulatory compliance and community engagement.
