ICASA, South Africa’s telecoms regulator, has set out exactly what satellite internet providers – such as SpaceX’s Starlink – must do to operate legally in the country.

In a Government Gazette general notice, the watchdog said it had received numerous requests for clarity from prospective satellite operators seeking to offer their services in South Africa.

“Accordingly, the Authority intends to provide clarity through the publication of this Notice,” ICASA said.

ICASA explained that the licences required to provide services using a satellite constellation within South Africa were as follows:

· Individual Electronic Communications Service (I-ECS) licence
· Individual Electronic Communications Network Service (I-ECNS) licence
· Radio Frequency Spectrum licence(s)

“Accordingly, the licensing process for the granting of the I-ECNS licence commences when the Authority publishes an Invitation to Apply (ITA),” ICASA said. “However, an application for an I-ECS licence does not require a policy direction to be issued by the minister, and may be submitted following the publishing of an ITA by ICASA.”

ICASA added that the ITA would outline the application details, including the application fee and the submission deadline.

These new requirements would in effect supersede the requirements that an incoming foreign business must observe the provisions for black ownership participation.

Other posts by :

1. S&P adds Arqiva to CreditWatch negative list
2. Vodafone Spain explains Sat-Connect Europe plan
3. FCC praises AST SpaceMobile
4. AST SpaceMobile’s August launch plan
5. SpaceX post-IPO value trimmed
6. Thailand’s National Telecom advised to give up satellite slot
7. Moody’s issues Baa1 rating to SpaceX
8. SES EGM approves corporate changes
9. Reliance Jio promises LEO action for India

Categories: Articles, Broadband, Regulation, Satellite

Tags: icasa, south africa, starlink