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Elon Musk Hints at Starlink’s Expansion to South Africa

September 9, 2024

Elon Musk hints at Starlink’s expansion to South Africa, with Musk confirming that the service is “waiting for regulatory approval.”

Responding to a frustrated farmer’s social media post about slow rural Internet service, Musk’s comment has reignited hopes for Starlink’s long-anticipated launch in the country.

The service has already launched in multiple Southern African countries, including Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, and Madagascar. ‘But South Africa’s rollout has faced regulatory hurdles since its initial projected 2022 launch date was delayed to “unknown status” on the company’s coverage map by September 2022.

One of the key challenges for Starlink, operated by Musk’s private rocket company SpaceX, has been obtaining the necessary licenses from South Africa’s Independent Communications Authority (Icasa). Starlink requires an electronic communications services licence to operate legally in the country.

Since Musk’s response, Icasa has yet to confirm that it has received a formal application from Starlink to operate in the Southern African nation.

However, Icasa Chair Mothibi Ramusi, recently told IT Web that the regulator had not received Starlink’s application.

The country’s communications regulator also considers Starlink’s roaming service, which some rural South African users have accessed, to be illegal due to the lack of local approvals.

While the service faces obstacles in South Africa, Musk’s comment offers a glimmer of hope.

Icasa and South Africa’s Communications Minister, Solly Malatsi, have expressed a willingness to engage with Starlink and streamline the process, but no direct contact has been made.

Malatsi has emphasised the importance of welcoming services that can contribute to the economy while ensuring they comply with local laws.

Growing demand for reliable rural internet

This regulatory setback is not unique to South Africa. Starlink has faced similar issues in other Southern African nations, such as Zimbabwe and Botswana, and other regions, including Ghana and Cameroon.

However, the growing demand for reliable rural internet and the government’s push for digital inclusion makes it likely that the situation may shift soon.

Despite the setbacks, Starlink’s Internet service remains the hope of rural schools, healthcare providers, farmers, and mining companies in South Africa, many of whom already use its roaming services to great effect.

As the South African government looks for ways to bridge the digital divide, Starlink may find a more receptive environment moving forward.

For now, South Africans will have to continue waiting, as Musk’s post has yet to change Starlink’s official service availability in the country.

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