Starlink waits for go-ahead in South Africa, but ICASA hasn't received application
The satellite internet constellation provides broadband coverage to 102 countries, but not in South Africa.
FILE: Elon Musk. Picture: Heisenberg Media via Wikimedia Commons
Ray White speaks to Duncan McLeod, editor at Tech Central.
Listen to the interview in the audio player below.
Is South Africa getting Starlink?
If a post by SpaceX founder Elon Musk on his X platform is to be believed, then South Africa will become the latest African country to get the service.
Zimbabwe recently became the 14th African country to be connected.
There's been no word from the Independent Communications Authority (ICASA) about when of Starlink will be available in South Africa.
If the Starlink service were to be offered in South Africa, it would provide people mainly in rural areas. such as farmers, mining operations and companies operating in remote areas access to better quality internet connectivity.
Musk responded to post on X, suggesting that the service might just be making it's way to the country soon.
But Duncan McLeod, editor at Tech Central, says Starlink is unlikely to be available in the country anytime soon.
Waiting for regulatory approval
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 8, 2024
Starlink now available in Zimbabwe! https://t.co/TBlqL0327U
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 7, 2024
"ICASA's response is that they've still not received any formal application from Starlink to launch the broadband satellite service in South Africa." - Duncan McLeod, editor - Tech Central
"It has to go through that regulatory process, so not sure why Musk said it's going through that regulatory processes. It's possible that it's in its very eraly stages." - Duncan McLeod, editor - Tech Central
"There's certainly been speculation about Icasa's licensing rules, and the rule that specifically says that 30% of the equity of a telecommunications infrastructure licensee must be in the hands of DHI's, or historically disadvantaged individuals." - Duncan McLeod, editor - Tech Central
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