Starlink will go dark for SA users at the end of the month
At least 14, 000 locals make use of Starlink ‘illegally’.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Official SpaceX Photos
Anele and The Club (947) catch up on the latest business news with Zinathi Gquma on The Money Minute.
Listen below.
Local Starlink users will have their satellite internet services terminated at the end of April.
This is due to a violation of its terms and conditions, says Elon Musk’s company.
Starlink have a fleet of thousands of low earth orbit satellites that provide high-speed, low latency internet almost globally.
They were unable to obtain a licence to operate in South Africa from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) as it does not meet local ownership rules.
The Electronic Communications Act states that 30% of the company must be owned by historically disadvantaged groups which includes black people, the youth, women, and people with disabilities.
Gquma says at least 14,000 locals make use of Starlink ‘illegally’ through roaming packages.
“There are resellers that are stationed in countries where Starlink is available… they manage the account for you.”
Zinathi Gquma, The Money Minute
“The roaming service is supposed to be for travellers… You are not allowed to use that service for more than two months out of your home base.”
Zinathi Gquma, The Money Minute
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