South Africans yearning for high-speed, reliable internet access via Starlink may finally have something to celebrate.
While a ground-based Starlink service remains pending regulatory approval, the skies above South Africa are set to become significantly more connected, with several major international airlines promising free, high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi on flights to and from the country.
The Department of Communication and Digital Technology (DCDT) anticipates finalising regulatory changes that could pave the way for Starlink's ground-based operation in South Africa by mid-2025. A ministry spokesperson, while not explicitly mentioning Starlink, confirmed this timeline in an update on plans to introduce an "equity equivalence" system under the Electronic Communications Act.
This Act currently mandates that applicants for communication licences hold a 30% stake owned by historically disadvantaged people – a hurdle widely believed to be the main obstacle for Starlink, although never publicly confirmed by the company.
Starlink, owned by Elon Musk's SpaceX, has already launched operations in numerous African countries, including several of South Africa's neighbours. Its unique approach, utilising a network of thousands of low-Earth orbit satellites, offers a solution particularly beneficial in rural areas where traditional infrastructure deployment is challenging due to low population density.
The DCDT's proposed solution involves clarifying its position on "equity equivalent programmes," allowing companies to contribute to socioeconomic development through means other than direct employment of historically disadvantaged individuals. This might involve initiatives such as donating Starlink kits and subscriptions to rural schools.
The spokesperson explained the aim of the policy direction: "The proposed policy direction aims to instruct Icasa to consider amendments to the regulations concerning limitations of control and equity ownership by historically disadvantaged groups and the inclusion of equity equivalence investment programs under the ICT Sector Code."
A public consultation process, expected to begin early next year, will precede the anticipated release of the finalised policy direction by mid-2025. The spokesperson acknowledged potential delays due to the complexity of the consultation process.
Further progress is expected from Icasa's inquiry into new satellite regulations, launched in August. This inquiry acknowledges the advancements in satellite technology, which now allows for cost-effective broadband connectivity over wide areas. Icasa chairperson Mothibi Ramusi indicated that a final document would be published in 2025. President Cyril Ramaphosa's meeting with Elon Musk in September further suggests a political will to encourage Starlink's investment in South Africa.
Meanwhile, the in-flight Wi-Fi revolution is already underway. Several major international airlines have partnered with Starlink Aviation, SpaceX's in-flight internet service, and plan to equip their fleets with Starlink Wi-Fi by 2025. This includes Qatar Airways, which will offer free Starlink Wi-Fi on its entire Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 fleets, including flights to and from South Africa. United Airlines and Air France have also committed to installing Starlink on their aircraft, also offering free Wi-Fi to all passengers.
Starlink Aviation offers significant advantages over existing GEO (geosynchronous) satellite services, boasting much higher speeds, lower latency, and greater capacity. With download speeds between 40Mbps and 220Mbps and upload speeds of 8Mbps to 25Mbps, and latency under 100ms, it promises a vastly improved in-flight internet experience.
However, while these airlines will be equipped with Starlink, its availability within South African airspace depends on regulatory approval from Icasa. Currently, South Africa is not among the 88 countries where Starlink Aviation has received the necessary authorisations. Several neighbouring African countries, however, have already granted approval.
The contrast between the imminent availability of high-speed internet on flights to and from South Africa and the ongoing regulatory hurdles for ground-based service highlights the complexities of navigating the regulatory landscape for cutting-edge technologies in the country. The coming months and years will be crucial in determining the full extent of Starlink's impact on South Africa's connectivity landscape.
