Starlink and South Africa: Progress at a Cost

In a world stitched by digital threads, connectivity is no longer a luxury but a lifeline. Founded by Elon Musk in 2015, Starlink is a satellite internet constellation. The service aims to deliver high-speed internet, targeting remote areas where traditional infrastructure is not adequate. With conversations and concerns raised by locals, let's explore what this technology could do for South Africa, as well as its potential risks. Already providing internet service globally to around 130 countries, its pending arrival in South Africa has sparked both alarm and anticipation.

Starlink's Arrival and Controversy

Although Starlink has not officially launched in South Africa yet, its presence has raised ethical concerns. South Africans have been able to access the service through roaming plans by importing hardware from countries like Mozambique and then activating it using the specific country's licenses.  This workaround has emerged due to Starlink’s refusal to comply with national Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) regulations, which mandate that businesses maintain a minimum of 30% Black ownership. Musk has openly challenged this regulatory framework, labelling it as “racist” and resisting its implementation. A proposed compromise — the “equity equivalent” model — now sits on the table, offering an alternative path to compliance.

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Bridging the Digital Divide

The digital divide in South Africa is devastating. An estimated 28% of South African households remain disconnected from the internet, a stark figure in an era where access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities hinges on digital inclusion. With traditional infrastructure, such as fibre or mobile networks, often not reaching these areas. For rural schools and clinics without fibre or reliable cellular service, Starlink could be transformative. The internet should not be an exclusive commodity, and everyone deserves access to it. 

Photo: Pinimg.com, 2025

Science vs. Satellites

South Africa is a global leader in radio astronomy, home to the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), located in the Karoo region of the Northern Cape. The SKA is one of the most powerful radio telescopes on the planet. In addition to the ownership debate, Musk's ventures also encounter scientific discord, particularly with astronomers worldwide. These scientists, including those involved with South Africa's prestigious SKA telescope, have voiced serious concerns about potential satellite interference from Starlink, which could jeopardise critical astronomical research.

Compliance or Colonisation?

Musk's stance on BBBEE is not just controversial - it clashes with a growing global reckoning around equity and representation in tech. Other multinationals, such as Microsoft, have embraced the ownership requirements. Microsoft has invested billions of dollars in establishing facilities nationwide. This intricate web of regulatory challenges and scientific tensions underscores the multifaceted impact of Musk's initiatives on South Africa's social and scientific landscapes. Critics argue that Starlink’s refusal to do the same reeks of Silicon Valley exceptionalism, one that prioritises scale and profit over the sovereignty of national policy and social justice.

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The Global Community

The global reception of Starlink is undeniably mixed. In countries such as the United States, Canada, and much of Europe, it has been successfully adopted, primarily due to the significant lack of broadband access in rural areas. However, in India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and several Southeast Asian countries, Starlink is still facing delays as it awaits regulatory approval. The main issue is its independent operational model, which makes it challenging to control and monitor effectively.

Moving Forward

As South Africa weighs innovation against inclusion, the question remains: will we set the terms of tech or let tech redefine our terms? Determining the necessity of introducing Starlink in South Africa presents a complex challenge. On one hand, it holds the promise of enhancing digital inclusion and unlocking new economic opportunities for underserved communities. However, this potential benefit must be weighed against the imperative of fostering social equity. Striking the right balance between embracing innovative technologies and ensuring that all segments of society can access their advantages is a delicate task that requires careful consideration.