South Africa’s telecommunications regulatory authority, ICASA, has issued a warning, declaring the utilization or facilitation of access to SpaceX’s Starlink services in the country as illegal.
ICASA has expressed disapproval towards companies that have allegedly been involved in importing and selling Starlink satellite internet terminals within South Africa.
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) issued its warning through an official notice published in the Government Gazette on Tuesday.
Icasa emphasised on Wednesday that Starlink, the internet satellite fleet in low Earth orbit overseen by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, lacks the necessary license to operate in South Africa.
The reason for Starlink not applying for licenses remains unknown, with speculation focusing on Icasa regulations stipulating that licensees must possess a minimum of 30% equity ownership from historically disadvantaged individuals.
Icasa said any provision of broadcasting and electronic communications services without the necessary service and radio frequency spectrum licences is a direct contravention of the Electronic Communications Act.
The regulator warned that the Icasa Act of 2000 stipulates that anyone who provides a service without a licence or without registering as required is guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of up to R5 million or 10% of annual turnover — whichever is greater.
Icasa cautioned that the Electronic Communications Act (ECA) explicitly prohibits any individual from owning, using, providing, selling, offering for sale, leasing, or hiring any form of electronic communications equipment or facility, such as radio apparatus, unless it has undergone type approval.
The regulatory body urged the public to refrain from purchasing or using equipment, like Starlink’s, that lacks proper licensing or type approval.
The regulatory body furnished a table summarizing the Starlink equipment that has received type approval in South Africa.
in conclusion, ICASA said it welcomes the advent of technologies that will contribute to ensuring universal service and access to all South Africans and assist in bridging the digital divide.
“However, this must be done within the country’s regulatory framework as set out in the ECA.”
