Recent government initiatives indicate that Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink, could soon launch in South Africa, a development with the potential to significantly reshape the nation’s digital landscape.
There is a proposal to ease Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) requirements for companies within the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, a move widely interpreted as paving the way for Starlink’s entry. Such an introduction is anticipated to substantially enhance national connectivity.
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Expanding Digital Access
The arrival of Starlink, if approved, is expected to yield several key benefits, primarily centred on improving internet accessibility, particularly in currently underserved and rural areas of South Africa. Musk’s satellite-based internet service addresses concerns raised by organisations such as AfriForum, which argued that existing regulatory frameworks deprive rural areas of reliable connectivity.
Beyond broadening basic internet access, Starlink’s presence could offer valuable assistance in the fight against crime. Businessman Johann Rupert, for instance, stated the service was needed in police stations across the country. He spoke as a member of the South African delegation to the White House on Wednesday.
The overarching goal of the new policy framework is to establish “regulatory certainty and consistency,” thereby cultivating an environment where enhanced digital connectivity can thrive across the country.
Image: Business Today
