Should South Africa Embrace Starlink Internet Service?

Starlink is the satellite service owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. Right now, it is facing a licensing issue in South Africa. While this situation has legal and political angles, a key question is whether South Africa really needs the type of technology that low Earth orbit satellites provide.

LEOs, or low Earth orbit satellites, are closer to the Earth than other satellites. They connect multiple satellites to give faster speeds, better imaging quality, and less delay.

As a LEO satellite system, is Starlink necessary for South Africa’s SA Connect programme? This programme aims for 100 percent broadband access by 2030. Broadband and satellite services can work together. Internet service providers often use satellite services to reach remote areas or to have backup connections.

What about the cost of having a foreign service like Starlink in South Africa? Starlink has close ties to the United States defence and intelligence. It is also becoming important for tracking missiles, drones, and shipping in dangerous war zones.

Both these questions involve weighing options. Mr Musk, who owns Starlink, wants to keep full ownership of the satellite service instead of partnering with local providers like Amazon and Microsoft have done.

Mr Musk and his supporters say that Starlink is key to South Africa’s development. They claim that if he does not have to give up 30 percent ownership to historically disadvantaged communities, Starlink will provide free internet to 5,000 rural schools.

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has not agreed to change its ownership rules. The Electronic Communications Act 2005 requires that licensees follow a 30 percent equity rule. Changing this would mean aligning ICASA with the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act 2003, which allows for other ownership options.

Those who want to change the licensing rules include Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi. They believe that investing in skills transfer would attract investors and help meet South Africa’s National Development Plan 2030 goals.

Supporters say such investments can be more effective in achieving what the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation calls ‘meaningful connectivity.’ This includes affordability, quality, skills, and security.

Given ICASA’s stance on Starlink, Malatsi is calling for a change to the ECT Act. But it may take years to make this happen and might not get much political backing since the issue is so divisive. Local government elections are coming up in November, so expect more political activity around B-BBEE. Any exceptions to the rules are unlikely right now.

Mr Musk is a controversial figure due to his links with former US President Donald Trump and far-right groups. His support for state surveillance raises concerns. Starlink’s Starshield technology can intercept communications and spy on targets for US defence. This might make South African lawmakers hesitant to welcome Starlink.

But aside from politics, does South Africa really need Starlink? LEO satellites can bypass traditional technologies like cellphone towers. They can also boost and improve broadband services. Soon, more devices, like phones and TVs, may connect directly to satellites.

Starlink is not the only option available. There are alternatives like China’s Qianfan. But Starlink is currently leading the field. Its ability to develop the space ecosystem and launch many satellites makes it stand out.

An internal report by the Association for Progressive Communications, involving South African experts and lawmakers, sparked interesting discussions. Participants noted that the government aims for better connectivity for all. They stated that satellite services like Starlink are well-suited to provide this connectivity.

Internet expert Anriette Esterhuysen helped organize this event. She pointed out that many rural and low-income areas still lack affordable and reliable internet. Government efforts are not keeping up with the goal of greater connectivity. High data costs also limit access.

But Esterhuysen warns that Starlink might not lower data prices. She believes we need local providers to make the service more efficient.

Starlink is already in at least 25 African countries, according to The Africa Report. The benefits and drawbacks vary in each country. In some rural areas where laying cables is tough, Starlink’s services could be a big help, says regulatory expert Dominic Cull.

South Africans face some important questions. When should politics and divisive figures be set aside for development? How can regulatory policies keep pace with new technologies and industries? Have African nations using Starlink given up their sovereignty, or is it a practical choice for economic growth?