Starlink Cuts Off South Africans as Regulatory Hurdles Prevent Rollout
TLDR
- Starlink, SpaceX's satellite broadband, cuts off users in South Africa for roaming outside registered country, preparing to launch in Ghana and Zimbabwe.
- SpaceX warns South African users of disconnection if using service outside country for over two months starting August 21, 2024.
- Starlink not officially available in South Africa, access via roaming illegal due to lack of network licenses; South African launch delayed due to regulatory issues.
Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite broadband service, has cut off users in South Africa who were accessing the service via regional roaming, as the company enforces restrictions on its usage outside the registered country.
This move comes just as Starlink prepares to launch in Ghana by August 2024 and in Zimbabwe on September 1, 2024. South African users received a second warning from SpaceX, stating that those using the service outside their registered country for more than two months would be disconnected from August 21, 2024.
Currently, Starlink is not officially available in South Africa, and the only way to access the service is through a roaming subscription. But this method is technically unlawful as Starlink does not have the required network, spectrum, or operating licenses in the country. Starlink's launch in South Africa has been pushed back indefinitely amid regulatory challenges.
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Key Takeaways
Starlink's delayed entry into South Africa highlights the challenges faced by international companies navigating local regulatory landscapes. Despite launching in neighboring countries, Starlink remains unavailable in South Africa due to unresolved issues related to black ownership requirements, which may have contributed to the indefinite postponement of its launch. The situation is further complicated by SpaceX’s recent directive to disconnect users operating Starlink outside their registered country for extended periods. While Starlink’s services are accessible in South Africa through roaming, the absence of official licenses or local partnerships renders this practice unlawful. The outcome of these regulatory challenges will likely influence the broader deployment of satellite internet services in Southern Africa.
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