South Africa Seizes Starlink Equipment
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has begun seizing Starlink equipment from local resellers as part of a crackdown aimed at reducing the illegal use of Starlink in the country.
“Icasa has taken note, with serious concern, of recent reports alleging that Starlink may be offering its services within the Republic of South Africa without the requisite authorization,” the sector regulator said.
Cracking down on the illegal use of Starlink
The internet satellite company does not have a license to operate in South Africa as it refuses to comply with BEE regulations. However, several users, especially those in rural areas, have managed to circumvent the current restrictions. They’re registering the kit and services in other nearby countries where Starlink operates and then use the roaming option to access it in South Africa.
According to My Broadband, Icasa chair Mothibi Ramusi told Newzroom Afrika that the regulator had initiated an investigation in the Northern Cape and had written to SpaceX to confirm that its services were being used in the country.
“Upon hearing all these issues, we actually went out on an investigation in the Northern Cape. We confiscated equipment which related to SpaceX, the company that owns Starlink,” Ramusi said. In a statement, ICASA reaffirmed that “Providing or reselling electronic communications services without a license is illegal.”
South Africa allowing Starlink to bypass BEE laws
Foreign investors in South Africa’s telecom sector are required to allocate 30% of a project’s equity to Black-owned businesses to obtain a license. However, Elon Musk’s satellite internet provider will be allowed to meet BEE requirements through equity-equivalent investments instead.
Investors welcomed the news, with South Africa’s currency, the rand, strengthening 0.7% against the dollar.
However, Black Business Council CEO Kganki Matabane criticized the decision in an interview with broadcaster Newzroom Afrika. “We should stick to the laws,” he said, “because if we allow one company to circumvent the legislation, then we must allow all the other companies, and then we’re going to have lawlessness in South Africa.”
Image: Antonino Visalli
