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 […]
ATR, the regional aircraft manufacturer, continues to elevate the standards of regional air travel by introducing Starlink high-speed internet connectivity onboard its aircraft. After successful test flights carried out on ATR’s 72-600 test aircraft in the past months, the solution has been certified by EASA. Long-standing partner Air New Zealand is poised to be the launch customer, bringing internet to its domestic […]
SpaceX has delayed the attempted launch of its massive Starship to January 15th with anxieties about the weather off the Texas coast. The Jeff Bezos-backed New Glenn rocket (NG-1) planned launch from Florida in the early hours of January 13th was also scrubbed. The delay to Elon Musk’s giant Starship was made because of bad […]
Telstra has announced a new collaboration with SpaceX’s Starlink to bring Satellite-to-Mobile (direct-to-handset) text messaging to customers in Australia. Telstra says the deal will enable them to provide better coverage from coast to coast, especially for those in regional and remote areas. The collaboration will initially focus on testing and refining a Satellite-to-Mobile text messaging […]