The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) has intensified its crackdown on unauthorised Starlink services, confiscating equipment and leaving thousands of users without satellite internet after the satellite company, a subsidiary of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is abruptly suspended roaming access.
The move has ignited protests from rural communities and businesses dependent on the service, while regulators defend the action as necessary to uphold local laws.
“Illegal” services halted
Starlink began disabling South African users on its Roam Unlimited and Global Roaming plans over the weekend, citing violations of its terms. Affected subscribers received an email stating:
“You are currently using Starlink in an unauthorised territory. As a result, your service will be suspended effective immediately.”
Users were given two choices: cancel their subscriptions or relocate hardware to a country where Starlink is licensed. The shutdown follows Icasa’s 2023 warning that using or distributing Starlink without approval was illegal.
Equipment seized in Northern Cape raid
Icasa chairperson Mothibi Ramusi confirmed the regulator’s investigation led to confiscations:
“We confiscated equipment which related to SpaceX, the company that owns Starlink. Anyone providing a service without authority is operating illegally.”
However, distributor IcasaSePush disputed the claims, telling MyBroadband that none of its equipment was seized and that it has no commercial agreement with SpaceX. Ramusi countered that Starlink devices require Icasa’s type approval, which IcasaSePush allegedly lacked.
Political firestorm
The crackdown comes days after Communications Minister Solly Malatsi faced parliamentary scrutiny over accusations he was creating a “backdoor” for Starlink. MK Party MP Nhlamulo Ndhlela escalated tensions by labeling IcasaSePush a “shadow operation” for SpaceX—a claim the distributor denies, citing only trademark-related cease-and-desist letters from SpaceX.
Critics argue the shutdown harms rural connectivity, while Icasa insists compliance is non-negotiable. The regulator has threatened to escalate the matter to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) if violations persist.
Starlink’s regulatory gambit
SpaceX has urged supporters to back Malatsi’s proposed equity-equivalents policy, which could ease licensing. In a recent appeal, Starlink said:
“As soon as we receive regulatory approvals, we will let you know.”
Meanwhile, Namibia—which also blocked Starlink roaming—expects to launch the service this year, while South Africa’s timeline remains “unknown.”
Key context:
- Why It Matters: Over 20,000 South Africans relied on Starlink roaming for high-speed internet in remote areas.
- Controversy: Elon Musk’s criticism of BEE policies clashes with government equity demands.
- Global Parallels: Zimbabwe and Botswana resolved similar standoffs within months; SA’s delay fuels skepticism.
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“Stories shaping South Africa today: Icasa enforces Starlink ban, disconnecting thousands as SpaceX clashes with regulators. Rural users demand solutions.”
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