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ICASA Denies Knowledge of StarSat’s Legal Action

October 25, 2024

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa, ICASA denies knowledge of StarSat’s legal action following its recent forced shutdown.

StarSat, operated by On Digital Media (ODM) and owned by StarTimes, was forced off the air on 2 October 2024 following a raid by ICASA and law enforcement, who confiscated essential broadcasting equipment.

The broadcaster promised to challenge the action in court, but ICASA spokesperson Zanele Ntuli clarified that the regulator was unaware of official filings.

ICASA’s raid on StarSat’s headquarters was part of an enforcement action after StarSat’s broadcasting license expired in July 2023 and was not renewed within the required timeframe.

StarSat submitted its renewal application four months late, blaming delays on difficulties securing investors and finalising shareholder agreements during the pandemic.

However, ICASA rejected the late application, citing the Electronic Communications Act, which requires renewal applications to be submitted no later than six months before the expiration date.

StarSat’s marketing manager, Jan Hendrik Harmse, stated that the equipment seizure disrupted broadcasting services not only in South Africa but also in other African markets. Harmse criticised the raid, claiming that officials disconnected equipment without the necessary technical knowledge, affecting StarSat’s larger African audience.

This shutdown has affected their customers

“Our customers have nothing showing on their screen,” he said, adding that the company sought an urgent interdict to resume broadcasting. Despite these efforts, Harmse acknowledged that even with a favourable court ruling, significant technical repairs would be required.

The shutdown has left StarSat customers without service, and several have voiced frustration online, demanding refunds and expressing disappointment over the lack of prior notification from the company.

On October 8, 2024, the broadcast apologised to customers for the inconvenience and announced the temporary payment suspension via Facebook. “Customers who have paid will not lose their money and will be rewarded with bonuses once the signal is restored,” Startsat stated.

StarSat had assured customers in earlier statements that broadcasting would remain uninterrupted despite licensing issues.

However, ICASA reiterated its position that ODM’s continued operation without a valid license breached regulatory requirements, as StarSat had received multiple warnings to cease operations.

As ICASA holds firm, StarSat now faces a challenging path to re-establish services amid mounting customer backlash and the operational strain caused by the confiscation of equipment.

This standoff highlights ongoing regulatory tensions in South Africa’s media sector, with ICASA enforcing the law as broadcasters navigate changing licencing requirements.

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