South Africa has suspended talks over licensing SpaceX’s Starlink service in the country because of tensions with the Donald Trump administration in the US. A Bloomberg report says that “negotiators plan to wait until the dispute between the US and South Africa calm down, with the intention to return to a possible deal at a […]

Investment bank BNP Paribas hosted a low Earth orbiting ‘expert event’ with Dr Tim Farrar, an acknowledged expert on the satellite sector and Direct-to-Device (D2D) services in particular. Farrar argued that Elon Musk’s SpaceX/Starlink service, although embryonic today, are some “18 months ahead of competitors on D2D and that by the end of the year […]

As Starlink intensifies competitive pressures and African governments remain uncertain about intervening to protect telco incumbents, African telecom companies are increasingly focusing on underserved regions. In response, they are launching strategic initiatives to tackle the rising challenge of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity to maintain their market position and tap into new growth opportunities, […]

Last week the South African government, via its ICASA telecoms regulator, held formal public consultations on a proposed licensing plan for satellite services in the country. But SpaceX, and therefore Starlink, declined to appear. SpaceX was due to make a presentation to the hearing, but failed to turn up. According to an ICASA spokeswoman, SpaceX […]

While Europe may not represent the largest market for satellite solutions compared to other large landmass regions with lower fibre density and a greater share of the population living in rural areas, low Earth orbit (LEO) constellations have emerged as an important part of the connectivity toolkit in the region. SpaceX’s Starlink has secured a […]

SpaceX currently cannot operate in South Africa despite some apparent enthusiastic support from Cyril Ramaphosa, the nation’s president. SpaceX has formally asked for local telecoms regulator ICASA to modify its requirements. ICASA is to hold consultations starting on February 5th and 6th with interested stakeholders and the public. The filing is by SpaceX Internet Services […]

Eutelsat’s share price meltdown continues and not helped by a group of unhappy residents of the UK’s Falkland Islands. Local reports say that the Falkland Islands government “wants its money back” from an agreement which it entered into with local telco SURE and which provides national and international fixed line, mobile data and broadband services […]

SpaceX’s Starlink broadband-by-satellite services has been chosen by airline Scandinavian Airlines (SAS). SpaceX, posting on X, said: “Next-gen Wi-Fi is coming onboard! With SpaceX Starlink, you can enjoy high-speed internet – even over remote areas like the North Pole or Atlantic Ocean. Rolling out fleet-wide in late 2025, and free for EuroBonus members.” SAS said: […]

Starlink is having a profitable time in at least five African countries where its broadband-by-satellite service is available. The five key nations (Nigeria, Kenya, Madagascar, Zambia and Zimbabwe) have seen sales paused in the main urban cities because of user demand. Sales will be improved as SpaceX’s Starlink system launches more satellites and thus improves […]