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The South African communications regulator, Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa), has ordered an internet service provider (ISP) in the Northern Cape to cease enabling South Africans to access Starlink’s satellite internet services. Starlink, the satellite internet service provided by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has gained popularity for its high-speed internet access in rural communities. However, it currently lacks the necessary license to operate in South Africa.

IT Lec, a third-party company that imports and manages South African customers’ Starlink accounts on their behalf, has been facilitating Starlink services for a significant number of customers in the country despite lacking Icasa’s approval. While it is technically feasible to access Starlink in South Africa due to network coverage from its low-earth orbit satellite fleet, it is not possible to purchase a package or the equipment necessary to access Starlink as the company does not have a license to operate in the country.

Satellite internet providers like Starlink have revolutionized internet access in rural areas by eliminating the need for costly infrastructure deployment. Starlink’s low-earth orbit satellites enable faster internet speeds by reducing the time it takes for signals to reach the ground. Earlier this year, Starlink launched an international roaming feature that allows customers to use their services worldwide with the Starlink kit.

Icasa’s order to IT Lec to cease acquiring, distributing, and facilitating the sale of any Starlink products in South Africa has led the company to suspend all satellite internet services until further notice. While IT Lec’s legal team is challenging some assertions made in Icasa’s letter, the company has transferred the management of subscriptions to a newly registered company in Mozambique, where Starlink is licensed to operate.

The situation highlights the regulatory challenges faced by Starlink in South Africa. While other African countries are embracing Starlink services, there is no timeline for when the company will obtain the necessary license to operate in South Africa. Both Icasa and IT Lec are adhering to the government rules, although Icasa has not provided any comment on the matter.

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