Starlink has begun cutting off South African users accessing its satellite internet service through global roaming packages, following pressure from the country’s telecommunications regulator. The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) insists the company is not licensed to operate within the country.
Thousands of South Africans, especially in remote and rural areas, had turned to international resellers to access Starlink’s high-speed internet. By subscribing through global roaming plans, often registered in neighbouring countries, users found a workaround to South Africa’s poor broadband coverage.
However, ICASA has been clear that using Starlink’s service without local authorisation is illegal. In response, Starlink sent out disconnection notices to affected users, advising them to either cancel their service or relocate the equipment to a country where its operations are authorised. The notice stated bluntly that South Africa is “not an approved service location.”
The root of the issue lies in licensing. Starlink, operated by SpaceX, has not launched officially in South Africa due to the country’s equity ownership requirements. Under current telecommunications laws, any provider must be at least 30 percent owned by historically disadvantaged South Africans in line with Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policies. Starlink has so far not complied with this rule, stalling its formal entry.
The situation has drawn attention to the broader challenge of balancing regulatory frameworks with access to vital digital infrastructure. While ICASA aims to uphold transformation goals, thousands of users—especially in underserved communities—now find themselves without access to reliable internet.
There may, however, be a path forward. Communications Minister Solly Malatsi has introduced a draft policy that proposes more flexible routes for foreign tech firms to meet empowerment obligations. Instead of giving up equity, companies like Starlink could invest in local digital infrastructure or educational initiatives. If approved, the policy could pave the way for Starlink’s legal entry into the market.
The proposal has sparked mixed reactions. Critics argue it risks weakening South Africa’s transformation agenda, while supporters believe it offers a practical solution that could bring vital connectivity to rural regions.
For now, with Starlink access cut off and no official launch in sight, many South Africans remain caught between outdated regulatory hurdles and a desperate need for fast, reliable internet.
