Starlink’s satellite internet application gets turned down in Botswana

Elon Musk’s SpaceX owned low-orbit satellite service, Starlink, encountered a setback in their global expansion as their application to operate in Botswana was denied. The refusal comes ahead of their anticipated Q4 2024 launch.

Despite submitting an application in May 2023, the Botswanan regulator deemed that Starlink failed to present all the required information, the specifics of which remain undisclosed.

“There were some deficiencies in the application that we flagged,” a source from Botswana’s Communication Authority mentioned. “They haven’t addressed these concerns yet.”

To qualify for operation in Botswana, applicants like Starlink are required to pay a P5,600 application fee, an annual license fee that could amount to P386,000 (~$28,500), and 3% of their annual operating revenue.

Starlink has been facing regulatory challenges in its attempt to penetrate the Southern African market. The South African government rejected their application for not abiding by the mandatory 30% ownership by historically disadvantaged individuals.

Zimbabwe also turned down Starlink’s application, citing an EU probe into X, another Musk-owned entity. Despite these roadblocks, Starlink has managed to secure licenses in Zambia, Eswatini, Mozambique, and Malawi.