Starlink’s South African Launch Path Revealed

Now for some news from far and beyond – Elon Musk’s SpaceX can launch Starlink in South Africa without giving away 30% of its company, thanks to the Internet Service Providers Association of South Africa (ISPA).

Before, South Africa’s Electronics Communications Act (ECA) made it seem like a challenge for SpaceX to bring Starlink to South Africa. The ECA said that local telecom companies needed 30% ownership by historically disadvantaged groups (such as people from black communities, women, youth, or those with disabilities). If SpaceX fails to meet these criteria, it will not receive a license from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) to provide its services.

But, ISPA cleared things up. They didn’t take sides on Starlink’s rules in South Africa but said the idea of SpaceX giving up 30% of its global company was just a misunderstanding. Instead, SpaceX could set up a local branch with the right mix of ownership or team up with a local partner who already met the rules. Other international companies in South Africa have done the same.

Normally, Starlink likes dealing with customers directly, but if they see South Africa as a good place to do business, they might go with ISPA’s idea.

However, one Internet Service Provider (ISP) said South Africa wasn’t high on Starlink’s list because of rules and regulations. Starlink sorts countries into three groups:

1. High Priority: No special rules are needed.
2. Medium Priority: Some rules but not overly complicated.
3. Low Priority: There are many complex regulations to follow.

South Africa is in the last group because of its rules. When Starlink first let people sign up, they thought they’d be in South Africa by 2022. But now, that’s uncertain. Still, South Africa is listed as “Coming Soon” on Starlink’s map. So, it might take a bit more time, but Starlink could still come to South Africa using ISPA’s plan.