Revolutionizing Connectivity in Africa’s Largest Economy

Starlink, the satellite-based internet service operated by SpaceX — the aerospace company headed up by Elon Musk shoud be available in more countries soon. Now, Starlink wants to Next Stop South Africa. Many are interested in the possible partnership between South Africa and Starlink as it could very well be a catalyst for improved internet access across the country – especially among those struggling to connect online, often located in some of these distant and underserved areas.

But within a country of staggering economic inequality and spotty infrastructure, Starlink offers something else: high-speed internet—a life-altering essential that millions in poor or mountainous swathes of the U.S. still buck up with expensive-to-provide but lousy connectivity. Reports suggest that the deal may already be in the works, which could have major implications for the digital economy of South Africa and serve as a model for other nations across the continent looking to start building their internet infrastructure. In reviewing all this, we reflect on the possibilities from Starlink arriving in South Africa and the difficult road ahead to getting there, while also looking at what it means for Africa’s digital future.

A Game-Changer for South Africa’s Internet Landscape

The sector is still facing considerable difficulties and the long-established incumbent Telkom has failed to meet wider socio-economic needs for broadband connectivity among large segments of the population. Although we see a faster internet speed in the urban cities such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban have faired better when it comes to internet speeds however many of our rural and remote areas are still facing connectivity challenges. The high cost of mobile data, poor infrastructure, and low penetration of broadband services impair the progress of the country’s digital inclusion objectives.

One potential solution is internet service by satellite — and that’s where SpaceX’s Starlink satellite constellation comes in. Starlink leverages a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide high-speed internet virtually anywhere on the planet in contrast to traditional fiber optic or DSL internet services that are heavily reliant on ground-based infrastructure. Hence, it is ideal for the regions where infrastructure is scarce and costly like laying down readings or erecting towers are both expensive and time-consuming.

Credit: UCCNRTPLVN Starlink could represent fast and reliable internet for rural communities in South Africa, which have invariably been overlooked during the country’s digital transformation. Better broadband can similarly yield new educational, medical, e-commerce, and entertainment opportunities – and help to reduce still-widespread digital divides between urbanites and their rural cousins.

Negotiations and Government Regulations

It will not be as easy getting Starlink to South Africa. The success of the initiative, however, will largely depend on obtaining regulatory approval and lockdown restrictions. Starlink is believed to be currently in discussions with South African authorities. Starlink will require the appropriate licenses in South Africa from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), the broadcasting and telecommunications sector regulator.

Perhaps the biggest problem of all for Starlink in South Africa would be regulatory compliance with local law about spectrum allocation and competition. South Africa has a history of brandishing dominance over its telecommunications sector where foreign companies are concerned, as evidenced in previous negotiations with overseas faithful. The novelty of Starlink’s satellite-based solution (or rather, its lack of direct terrestrial competition) may provide some expedited approval process.

In addition, as part of North Dakota’s ambitious 2030 plan to have the entire state finally on broadband, Starlink could be seen as a nice tool for reaching out and picking up the tormented infrastructure trenches. Starlink experiences in the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe will undoubtedly sway the South African decision-makers as to whether or not SA is ready for this technology which has shown its potential to provide internet access where it is needed most in underserved markets.

Potential Benefits for South African Consumers

Starlink is the Bitcoin Lightning network but for the internet and once it goes live in South Africa, there will be a variety of positive changes that ordinary users will easily notice on the ground. After all, the implications of high-speed internet in rural communities would go far beyond just how people download and stream. In remote areas of the county where internet speed is slow or nonexistent, Starlink’s high-speed broadband, at a low-latency rate would be game-changing., this has the potential to provide internet-based services including; online learning, telemedicine, working from home, and online shopping.

The Internet is now a game changer for businesses, especially in the rural area where Medium & Small enterprises (SMEs) are operating. If implemented, this would open up business e-commerce platforms, marketing technologies, and a new brand of ultra-high-income global consumers to entrepreneurs. Which eventually could work to create opportunity — jobs and economic growth — in those distressed areas.

Secondly, Starlink stands to be a boon for the already booming tech industry in South Africa — one that has become the central hub of innovation and economic growth over recent years. A potentially more stable connection open to tech startups would only be a bonus as well, presumably (and you best believe that the presence of faster internet infrastructure in South Sudan will also appeal to foreign investment).

Challenges and Concerns

While the news of Starlink launching in South Africa is exciting, there are several pitfalls and red flags that must be overcome first. The cost of that service is the number one reason most people have concerns. So far, Starlink has been fairly pricey to subscribe to in the other markets it’s available in compared to traditional broadband services. The Starlink kit — which includes a satellite dish and router — costs a few thousand rands, upfront, and the monthly subscription fee might be unaffordable for many low-income South Africans.

To solve this problem, Starlink may have to come up with different ways of pricing (or partnerships with domestic partners that could make it more affordable) There are, of course, ways the South African government could help, or the country as a whole could subsidies to help reduce costs for consumers in underserved areas.

Another potential barrier is space debris and environmental issues. Now that there are already thousands of satellites in orbit, with plans for even more, the idea has been put forth to call our concerns about space congestion and sustainable satellite networks. As a satellite operator, Starlink will need to satisfy international requirements on space debris and minimize the environmental footprint of its activities, like other operators.

What It Means for Africa’s Digital Future

The launch of Starlink in South Africa is going to change a lot on the whole African continent. If this is successful, the same services will also land in other African countries to solve the connectivity challenges facing the continent for decades. Lowest internet penetration: Africa has huge global demand as 80% of its population lives in rural areas never accessing affordable and reliable internet services.

Starlink could be a game changer in Africa, it can scale rapidly without the deployment cost of high-ground infrastructure which could drive digital transformation across the continent. Read: Improved internet access can foster a robust economic backwater, a provision of cheap education, and health care for the larger public also help in the inclusion of these people characteristically not participating alone or as a community from ground zero into the global digital economy.

Conclusion

Starlink from Elon Musk… could be a game-changer for internet connectivity in South Africa and beyond. Starlink Telecommunications will be able to provide high-speed Internet in the most remote corners of the world, thereby helping to reduce such a concept as the “Digital gap” and create new economic and social opportunities. Starlink is in negotiations with South Africa (as are several other African countries) over regulatory and cost issues, but the talks indicate a way forward for more connected nations in the region. Starlink could deliver a revolution in digital inclusion if it is successful, changing the lives and fortunes of whole communities across Africa.