In a significant development for South African internet access, President Cyril Ramaphosa recently met with Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, during his visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly. This meeting has sparked renewed interest and speculation regarding When is Starlink Coming to South Africa, Musk’s satellite internet service, in South Africa.
Key Highlights from the Meeting
During their discussion, which Ramaphosa described as “positive,” he emphasized the potential for Musk to invest in South Africa. He remarked, “I have had discussions with him and have said, ‘Elon, you [have] become so successful and you’re investing in a variety of countries, I want you to come home and invest here’”. This statement underscores Ramaphosa’s hope that Musk will prioritize South Africa for Starlink’s rollout.
Musk responded affirmatively to Ramaphosa’s invitation for further discussions about investment opportunities. However, he also indicated that Starlink is currently awaiting regulatory approval to operate in South Africa. Musk’s acknowledgment of this regulatory hurdle came after a South African user expressed frustration over slow internet speeds and urged for Starlink’s introduction in the country.
Regulatory Challenges Ahead
Despite the optimism from both leaders, the path to launching Starlink in South Africa is fraught with challenges. The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has stringent requirements regarding local ownership of telecommunications services. Specifically, any company seeking to operate must be at least 30% owned by historically disadvantaged groups. This regulatory landscape has led to delays in Starlink’s launch compared to neighboring countries like Botswana and Mozambique, where services are already active.
Moreover, ICASA has not yet received a formal application from Starlink, which complicates matters further. The uncertainty surrounding local ownership requirements could deter or delay Starlink’s entry into the market.
Conclusion
As South Africans eagerly await the launch of Starlink, the outcome of ongoing discussions between Ramaphosa and Musk will be crucial. With Musk’s commitment to further talks and the recognition of regulatory challenges, there is hope that Starlink could soon provide much-needed high-speed internet access in South Africa. However, until regulatory approvals are secured, the timeline remains uncertain.