South Africa is eagerly anticipating the arrival of Elon Musk’s Starlink project, which aims to revolutionize internet accessibility in rural and secluded regions. However, regulatory hurdles have hindered its entry into the country. South Africa’s Electronic Communication Act requires that any communications license holder must be 30% owned by historically disadvantaged groups, which could pose a significant hindrance to Starlink’s application process. Recent events suggest potential progress, but it remains to be seen if Starlink can navigate regulatory constraints and bring about a new era of connectivity in South Africa.
The digital divide is a significant challenge in South Africa, with many citizens lacking access to essential services such as education and healthcare due to limited internet connectivity. To address this issue, the government has launched the SA Connect program, which aims to provide highspeed internet connectivity to all citizens, regardless of their location or economic status.