ICASA, South Africa’s Communications regulator, is working on a new licensing framework for satellite Internet operators, and specifically mentioned Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

“The goal is to create a transparent, efficient, and sustainable regulatory environment that fosters investment, competition, and the expansion of satellite services,” ICASA said in a statement. In its annual performance plan for 2026/27, ICASA said it was developing the framework to address the widening digital divide in remote areas and encourage investment.

ICASA explained that the new licensing framework is aimed at increasing access to Internet connectivity in rural areas in South Africa and reducing cross-border communication costs.

Ryan Goodnight, senior director in charge of market access at Starlink, has already made promises over how it would help South Africans and invest in local industry.

He has explained that Starlink is already investing heavily in ground stations and points of presence (PoPs) elsewhere – the brains of its global network – and is looking at placing some in South Africa.

Starlink is proposing spending R500-million (about €25.6 million) on an “equity equivalence” programme to connect 5,000 schools with free internet and hardware.

Starlink also plans to invest about R2-billion in local infrastructure, including gateways, PoPs, leased land, power, fibre and local staffing. The Elon Musk-backed company wants to directly partner with local ISPs for installation, maintenance and reseller roles rather than going it alone. Starlink wants to work with the country’s National Sea Rescue Institute to equip rescue vessels with Starlink for maritime safety.

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Categories: Articles, Satellite

Tags: icasa, south africa