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The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has instructed IT Lec, an internet service provider (ISP), to stop importing Starlink kits and to discontinue any active Starlink internet services in the country. Although SpaceX, the company behind Starlink, has not yet obtained an operational license in South Africa, IT Lec had found a workaround for its customers. ICASA has now issued a strongly-worded notice to IT Lec, demanding that it abandon this workaround.

IT Lec had been importing kits that allowed users in South Africa to access Starlink’s broadband internet service. These kits, consisting of an antenna and a router, were sold for R15,000, with a monthly charge of R1,799 for the roaming service. However, ICASA, the country’s telecoms regulator, has expressed strong disapproval of these actions.

South Africa has faced regulatory hurdles in bringing Starlink to the country, resulting in it being classified as a low-priority region for a potential launch. Despite this, some South Africans have already experienced the revolutionary internet speed offered by Starlink.

ICASA has engaged in discussions with IT Lec, but no positive outcome has been achieved. South Africa had initially planned to welcome Starlink in 2022, but the availability date was pushed back to 2023 before being labeled as “Unknown” by SpaceX.

The delay in launching Starlink in South Africa is due to a requirement in the Electronic Communications Act, which states that at least 30% of a telecoms company seeking a license must be owned by historically-disadvantaged groups. This poses a challenge for SpaceX, as its ownership includes various investment companies.

Dawiw de Wet, CEO of Q-KON Africa, believes that IT Lec has not committed any crime by importing Starlink kits. He stated that Starlink manages a global constellation of satellites and will provide services unless restricted by operational directives. IT Lec has found a way to continue offering the satellite internet service in South Africa, despite the order to cease. The ISP’s primary customers reside in rural areas with limited broadband options.

Instead of discontinuing the service, IT Lec has redirected its customers to a Mozambique-based company. It plans to use Mozambique, where Starlink has obtained a license, as a base for offering kits to other African countries without access to the product.

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