South Africans have been left out when it comes to the roll out of Elon Musk’s Starlink low earth orbit satellite internet services, which could eventually make cellphone network service providers obsolete.
But business owners and social activists who believe all locals have a right to access the internet at affordable rates so they don’t get left behind in the Fourth Industrial Revolution are assisting consumers to access the hardware needed to connect to Starlink’s internet service.
SpaceX’s Starlink describes itself as “the world’s first and largest satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit to deliver broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, video calls and more….”
The service was meant to launch in South Africa in 2022, but attempts to sign up via the company’s website to order the service still shows an “unknown” local start-up date.
Starlink is already available elsewhere in Africa and across the globe, having launched almost 4000 satellites providing high speed internet to more than one million locations globally.
Now, companies like ICASAsePush, which describes itself as both a business and “social activists and warriors fighting for equitable access to the Internet for all” are aiding consumers to connect to Starlink’s satellite services despite it not yet being officially and legally available here, without charging a monthly internet subscription fee.
Once connected, consumers deal directly with Starlink as their internet service provider (ISP), leaving ICASAsePUSH in the clear.
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icase) warned in a notice published in the Government Gazette on 28 November that using or providing access to SpaceX’s Starlink services in the country is illegal.
Icasa said it had “noted recent developments on the alleged provision of satellite internet services through Starlink terminals in South Africa, and of some entities distributing Starlink products in South Africa from within the country and from the neighbouring countries”.
“The authority has indicated previously, through numerous media engagements, that Starlink does not hold any licence issued by the Authority to provide electronic communications, electronic communications network or broadcasting services in South Africa,” it added.
According to Icasa, for operators to offer services legally, they need Individual Electronic Communications Service (I-ECS) and Individual Electronic Network Service (I-ECNS) licences.
It warned that any person providing a service without a licence or without registering as required by law is guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding the greater of R5 million or 10% of the person or licensee’s annual turnover.
ICASAsePush spokesperson Alan Bush said the gazette notice “undoubtedly targeted companies like ours … and others involved in distributing Starlink terminals in South Africa”.
“While we primarily focus on distributing and setting up these devices, we categorically deny receiving any financial benefit from the subscription service. Our actions are driven by a deep-seated desire to bridge the digital divide and empower South Africans left stranded without reliable connectivity,” Bush said.
In many cases, he said, people are entirely cut off from the global information and communication landscape, which is “unacceptable in modern society”.
“We at ICASAsePush are not merely business owners; we consider ourselves social activists and warriors fighting for equitable access to the Internet for all. This commitment extends beyond just providing the hardware. We actively participate in the #internetforall movement, giving back to the community through various initiatives,” Bush said.
Bush said technology like Starlink had the potential to revolutionise communication and development in South Africa and his company would continue to advocate for its accessibility, even facing regulatory hurdles.
Demand for Starlink in South Africa has been “nothing short of phenomenal” and was leading demand in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) due to its limited internet infrastructure, high costs of existing providers, and growing awareness of the potential, Bush said.
“This is further evidenced by over 12 400 South Africans utilising Starlink through roaming subscriptions despite its official unavailability,” he said.
“Our customer base cuts across all cultural, ethnic, socio-economic, and industry sectors – from schools and charities to farms, broadcasting producers, tour operators, and beyond. This universal appeal speaks volumes about the unmet need for such a powerful and reliable internet service.”
Out South Africa’s 62 million populace, round 42 million people have some form of internet access, leaving about a third out of the loop.
“That’s a major concern for ICASAsePUSH because the ability to communicate is a necessity. Given how fast the world is changing, those without access to the internet are being left behind. Once South Africans discover the capabilities of Starlink, they see its potential to transform their lives,” Bush said.
“This technology offers an unparalleled solution, requiring two elements for high-speed, reliable internet: a power source and clear skies. Even during load-shedding, those with Starlink can maintain their vital communication channels.
“For many South Africans living outside of cell phone range or lacking access to fibre connectivity, Starlink presents a life-changing opportunity. It offers a dependable and high-quality internet solution where no other comparable options exist.”
Botswana and Mozambique already offer Starlink, while Namibia and Angola have plans for near-future rollouts.
But, how long it will be before Starlink is officially available in South Africa is not known.
“While there have been discussions and developments, legal hurdles prevent its immediate entry into the market,” Bush said.
These include:
• Historically disadvantaged groups (HDG) shareholding requirement: Icasa regulations mandate a 30% HDG shareholding for companies operating within its jurisdiction. While respecting this mandate, a pragmatic approach is necessary for this specific case. As a non-public American company, SpaceX owns the technology and services, not founded under South African black economic empowerment rules.
Replicating this technology within the next 15 years, even with resources and approvals, is highly unlikely for South Africans. Utilising this advanced technology requires either an exemption from the rule or a complete amendment to accommodate capabilities beyond current capacity.
• Hardware Approval Process: The Icasa hardware approval process has partially been completed, with 50% of the standard kit receiving clearance. However, the remaining 50% related to the dish, typically associated with a broadcasting licence, is facing delays and difficulties.
• Broadcasting Licence: Obtaining this remains the biggest hurdle. Icasa has not issued these licences in 13 years, and applications require a ministerial invitation, which has not been extended to Starlink. Technological advancements have been made yet legal and administrative roadblocks remain. Addressing these hurdles through potential exemptions, rule amendments, and licensing considerations is crucial to facilitate access.
Internet Service Providers Association regulatory advisor Dominic Cull said no one should be offering the Starlink service in South Africa presently.
“What they are doing is getting it in a neighbouring country, in Mozambique and roaming it in South Africa — but is it a loophole or is it just the technical nature of the service?”
He said Icasa’s rules were not exceptional as most counties have a requirement that companies must establish a local presence to offer internet services in order to be accountable. However, he said while the use of Starlink equipment in South Africa is not legal if it is not “type approved” for use here, it was unlikely consumers would face legal action for possession.
“Starlink has for some reason decided not to finalise its service here in South Africa. They are aware of what needs to be done and have taken certain steps to be able to operate but they have not taken the final steps, and no one knows why except Elon …” Cull said.
He said Starlink’s business model was to deal directly with consumers whereas to operate locally it would need to comply with the HDA rule and partner with a local entity.
Ultimately the service, albeit still “a long time away”, would eradicate the need for cellphone network service providers as it had indicated that it would provide voice services by 2025, Cull said.
Starlink’s competitors include the likes of Amazon and OneWeb.
“It is going to mimic the mobile network operators. They (mobile network operators) are not worried but are very much aware. GSM (global system for mobile operators) is a $1 trillion a year economy whereas satellite is a tenth of that but Vodacom are working with Amazon and MTN is also working with satellite solutions,” Cull said.
“I don’t think it is a case of Vodacom and MTN going anywhere fast. These are very efficient capitalist machines and they are spending a lot of time and effort looking at where direct to mobile satellite technology is going.”
Starlink had not responded to questions from the Mail & Guardian by the time of publication.