Starlink gets regulatory review in SA, warns unauthorized users

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has released draft regulations for satellite services like SpaceX's Starlink. At the same time, Starlink has reportedly warned users in unauthorized regions of imminent disconnections.

In a government gazette, ICASA initiated a consultation on a proposed new licensing framework for satellite services and launched an inquiry to establish a regulatory and licensing framework for these services in the country.

The Draft Regulations on the Use of Satellite Networks by South African Licensees aims to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by the rapid advancement of satellite technologies, particularly low-earth orbit (LEO) constellations.

Through the inquiry, the regulator said it will determine procedures for authorizing user terminals, Internet of Things (IoT) terminals, earth station user terminals communicating with space stations while in motion (ESIM/ESV), and ground earth stations within the South African territory.

ICASA said the inquiry will help it consider the need to review spectrum fees, taking into account the increasing amount of bandwidth used by satellite systems operating in higher-frequency bands.

"ICASA is inviting comment from stakeholders on various aspects of satellite regulation, such as licensing, spectrum fees, rollout obligations, space segment authorization, earth station authorization, and interference management," the Gazette said.

"ICASA is calling on interested individuals and parties to submit their written comments on the proposed new licensing framework for satellite services by November 12, 2024. These submissions will be accessible on the ICASA website from November 30, 2024," the Gazette concluded.

This draft proposal is an about-face by the South African regulator, which now seems to be warming to the idea of satellite operators like Starlink.

In November 2023, ICASA cautioned companies against importing and selling Starlink satellite Internet terminals in South Africa. It called the practice illegal and warned that fines could be imposed.

Back in April 2023, former SA Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Mondli Gungubele denied claims that the government was blocking the operation of Starlink, which is the brainchild of South African-born Elon Musk.

Starlink to cut unauthorized users

Starlink has reportedly sent a warning threatening to cut off users accessing its Internet service through roaming via mobile plans for extended periods. The warning included users from South Africa and Ghana. According to media reports, the company has sent out an email stating that customers who have been using its mobile plan for more than two months outside authorized zones will be disconnected from using the Starlink Internet service after August 21, 2024.

Starlink has reportedly sent a warning threatening to cut off users accessing its Internet service through roaming via mobile plans for extended periods. (Source: Starlink's website.)

"The Mobile-Regional plans are intended for temporary travel and transit, not for permanent use in a location," Starlink reportedly said.

It is not the first time that the broadband service company has clamped down on those using the service in unauthorized zones.

The company reportedly disconnected users in unauthorized zones like South Africa back in February 2024.

In April, Cameroonian authorities also banned the import of Starlink satellite Internet kits into the central African country and started seizing the equipment at the border.

Starlink's African movements

Starlink has been making progress with its expansion plans on the African continent and just last month, South Sudan's National Communications Authority (NCA) released approved tariffs for the company, paving the way for its launch.

Also in July, Starlink launched in Madagascar, and in June its services went live in Sierra Leone.

The company is scheduled to make more inroads after being granted operating licenses in Botswana and Zimbabwe in May.

Starlink also operates or is licensed in several African countries including: Benin, Nigeria, Rwanda, Malawi, Kenya, Mozambique as well as Zambia.

— Matshepo Sehloho, Associate Editor, Connecting Africa