SpaceX’s Starlink has unveiled plans to invest nearly R2 billion (C$160/US$115 million) in South African infrastructure and establish a Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) entity as part of its bid to finally enter the country’s internet market.
Starlink’s Market Access Senior Director, Ryan Goodnight, outlined the company’s plans during the Internet Service Providers’ Association annual general meeting. The company intends to partner with local internet service providers (ISPs) to deploy and maintain school broadband infrastructure using an open-access model — allowing other providers to share the network. (via MyBroadband)
In addition to its significant infrastructure investment, Starlink has pledged R500 million (C$40/US$29 million) toward an equity equivalent program (EEIP) that would connect 5,000 schools and provide high-speed internet to an estimated 2.4 million students.
Starlink is also pledging to improve public safety through a collaboration with the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) to enhance maritime communication and emergency response capabilities along nearly 3,000 km of the country’s coastline.
However, despite these major commitments, regulatory and political hurdles mean the company could still be still years away from launching its satellite internet service in Elon Musk’s home country.
Regulatory Roadblocks Still in the Way
For Starlink to operate legally in South Africa, it must obtain a telecommunications license — something currently out of reach due to the country’s strict 30% ownership rule for historically disadvantaged individuals.
To address this, Communications Minister Solly Malatsi proposed allowing EEIPs as an alternative compliance route that would allow foreign companies to meet empowerment obligations through investment, infrastructure, and skills development instead of equity sales.
The plan, revealed earlier this year, received over 19,000 public submissions, with many expressing strong support for EEIPs as a way to boost competition and expand broadband access.
Launch Still Years Away
While the government aims to finalize the EEIP policy by March 2026, that won’t immediately clear the path for Starlink to offer its services in the country. The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) must first amend its regulations to recognize EEIPs — a process that could take 12 to 18 months, after the policy’s approval.
That timeline pushes Starlink’s earliest possible launch window to late 2026 or 2027. That the process could take even longer if challenges arise during public consultations or if there is increased political opposition.
Related Stories:
• SpaceX Pushes South Africa to Ease Black Ownership Rules for Starlink Launch
• Elon Musk Confirms Starlink Is Awaiting Approval in South Africa, but ICASA Says No Application Yet
• South African regulator cracks down on unauthorized Starlink reseller
