South Africa’s broadband future is being decided in orbit, not in Pretoria
- Icasa advises satellite operators to buy existing licenses rather than expect new ones.
- The Electronic Communications Act restricts Icasa from issuing new network licenses until a policy direction is provided.
- Starlink and other LEO services are becoming integral to mobile networks, as evidenced by their growing subscriber base.
The current regulatory approach in South Africa appears outdated and misaligned with the rapid advancements in satellite technology. This could hinder the country's ability to compete in the global telecommunications landscape. A more proactive stance is needed from both regulators and operators to embrace and integrate LEO technologies effectively.
