South Africa Updates Telecom Rules for Starlink, Marking a Milestone for African Satellite Internet
South Africa’s Minister for Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, is planning to introduce legal changes to the country’s Electronic Communications Act to allow Starlink to operate in the country, according to Techpoint. Starlink was blocked from operating in South Africa due to its Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) rules.
South Africa created the BEE laws to address racial inequalities stemming from apartheid. The policy is supported by the African National Congress Party (ANC), a political party in South Africa known for its opposition against apartheid.
Changes to the Electronic Communications Act
The changes to the Electronic Communications Act have not been introduced in Parliament, and there is no set date for the legislative process yet. Currently, Starlink operates in several African countries, including Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Mozambique, and Zambia.
Starlink being blocked in South Africa
Last July, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) began seizing Starlink equipment from local resellers as part of a crackdown to reduce the illegal use of Starlink in the country.
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.
Image: A Starlink satellite terminal
