SA: Regulatory Authority Cautions Against Starlink Usage in South Africa

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa), the regulatory body overseeing telecommunications in the country, has issued a warning regarding the usage or provision of access to SpaceX’s Starlink services within South Africa. This cautionary notice, officially published in the Government Gazette, emphasizes the importance of compliance with existing regulations and licensing requirements.

The directive, signed by Acting Chairperson Yolisa Kedama, underscores Icasa’s responsibility to ensure fair participation and competition in the market, aiming to protect both licensees and consumers. According to Icasa, offering broadcasting and electronic communications services without the required service and radio frequency spectrum licenses is a direct violation of the Electronic Communications Act. Offenders may face severe penalties, including fines of up to ZAR 5 million or 10 percent of annual turnover.

Additionally, the regulatory authority highlights the necessity of using approved electronic communication equipment to prevent interference in the radio frequency spectrum. It specifically cautions against the use of unapproved devices, including certain Starlink equipment, citing potential risks to functionality and consumer safety.

While some Starlink equipment has received type approval in South Africa, the process to obtain the necessary licenses—Individual Electronic Communications Service (I-ECS) and Individual Electronic Network Service (I-ECNS) licenses—remains complex. Icasa issues specific invitations for these licenses, with the last invitation extended over a decade ago.

Despite industry calls, including from the Internet Service Providers Association of South Africa (Ispa), for Icasa and the communications minister to address licensing challenges, the situation persists. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) in the telecom sector face obstacles in acquiring licenses due to high prices set by existing license holders.

The regulatory landscape in South Africa’s telecommunications sector continues to pose challenges, with calls for more accessible and equitable licensing processes. Earlier this year, Icasa demanded a local Internet service provider (ISP) cease importing Starlink kits on behalf of customers and cut off access to the satellite broadband service. Starlink’s broadband services are available in several African countries, but regulatory disputes have hindered its rollout in South Africa, a prominent IT market on the continent.