Starlink Launch in South Africa Could Disrupt Local Broadband Market

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Starlink,South Africa,Broadband

When Starlink officially launches in South Africa, existing users will pay less for the service, as regional roaming fees will disappear. However, industry players are concerned about the potential impact on local satellite broadband resellers and wireless internet service providers (WISPs) due to Starlink's competitive pricing and direct customer engagement.

When Starlink officially launches in South Africa, one of the most immediate effects will be that existing users will pay much less for the satellite broadband service than they currently do.

Aside from the additional cost for roaming, SpaceX’s terms and conditions for Starlink Roam only allow you to roam for 60 days at a time, after which the kit must return home.If Starlink officially launched in South Africa, this administrative burden and the extra cost would go away. However, South Africa’s largest Wisp, Herotel, said it is not concerned about Starlink launching in South Africa.

Ispa regulatory advisor Dominic Cull told MyBroadband that for the playing field to be level, Starlink must comply with the Electronic Communications Act, Rica, tax laws, and all other regulations local ISPs are subject to. While the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies must issue a policy directive before Icasa can issue an invitation to apply for I-ECNS licences, Cull previously said

However, the first two alternatives have a significant obstacle — BEE ownership requirements that Icasa recently started enforcing. The only director listed in company records currently is Lauren Dreyer, vice president of Starlink Business Operations.

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Ramaphosa Meets Musk, Discusses Investment Opportunities in South Africa as Starlink Expands Across AfricaSouth African President Cyril Ramaphosa met with Elon Musk at the United Nations General Assembly to discuss investment opportunities in South Africa. Meanwhile, Starlink, Musk's satellite internet constellation, is expanding its reach across Africa, now available in eight countries including eSwatini, Botswana, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Zambia.
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