Despite receiving notifications from SpaceX’s satellite internet service, Starlink, about the potential discontinuation of its roaming service in territories where it lacks official authorization, the service has continued to operate in South Africa, as reported by MyBroadband. This situation persists even after two months since Starlink notified its roaming customers that the service would be terminated in regions where the company does not have the legal clearance to operate, South Africa included.
In the wake of these warnings, three African countries—Zimbabwe, Ghana, and Botswana—that were previously in the same predicament as South Africa, with Starlink’s operations being deemed illegal and facing possible service suspension, have since provided the company with the necessary operational approvals.
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) issued a caution in November 2023, stating that the utilization or provision of Starlink services within South Africa’s borders is unlawful without proper authorization.
Icasa clarified that for service providers like Starlink to legally offer their services in South Africa, they must obtain specific licenses, namely the Individual Electronic Communications Service (I-ECS) and Individual Electronic Network Service (I-ECNS) licenses.
Starlink’s own availability map does not provide a specific service commencement date for South Africa. Nonetheless, reports suggest that Starlink has been functioning in South Africa since at least the early part of 2023.
South African residents who wish to acquire a Starlink kit have resorted to indirect methods, such as ordering through third-party channels from countries where Starlink is officially sanctioned. Customers typically register the kit and arrange for its delivery to an address in a country where Starlink is supported, or they employ the services of third-party importers like IcasaSePush, which specializes in procuring and shipping the kits to South Africa.
In a conversation with MyBroadband, the company reported that there was a noticeable fluctuation in the sales of Starlink kits during May 2024, which subsequently picked up once again in June. The initial decline in sales was linked to the warning issued by Starlink, which deterred potential new customers due to concerns over the unpredictability of service continuity. However, according to the report, IcasaSePush anticipates a rebound in sales starting July 2024, as the market adjusts to the developments and customer confidence potentially restores.
Several challenges appear to be impeding the official launch of Starlink’s satellite Internet service in South Africa. One significant regulatory hurdle is the stipulation in the Electronic Communications Act that mandates telecommunications licensees to have at least 30% ownership by historically disadvantaged groups (HDGs). This requirement presents a potential barrier to entry for companies like Starlink that are looking to establish their services in the South African market.
Additionally, the process for acquiring new electronic communications services licenses has been stalled, as an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for these licenses has not yet been issued. This procedural delay further complicates the ability of new entrants to obtain the necessary authorization to operate legally within the country.
Another factor is the proposed legislation that sought to enforce a 30% black ownership requirement for telecoms licensees. Although this proposal has been suspended, its existence indicates a complex regulatory environment that could affect Starlink’s efforts to comply with local ownership and control regulations.
These factors collectively contribute to the uncertainty surrounding Starlink’s official service availability in South Africa and may be influencing the company’s strategy and timeline for launching in the region.
