Starlink

Astronomers utilizing South Africa’s Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope are sounding the alarm regarding potential disruptions to their critical astronomical studies. With the advent of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet project, these scientists are pressing for the government to incorporate stringent protections within any licensing agreements to ensure that their sensitive observations remain undisturbed. The implications of such a deal extend beyond mere technological advancement; they intertwine with the…

Starlink's Service Interruptions: Understanding the Impact and Challenges in South Africa Recently, a wave of unsettling emails swept through the inboxes of customers subscribed to Starlink’s Roam Unlimited and Global Roaming packages. The messages delivered unwelcome news: accounts had been terminated due to utilization in an “unauthorized territory.” One particularly alarming excerpt read: “You are currently using Starlink in an unauthorized territory. As a result, your service will be suspended…

South Africa's Telecom Landscape: A Controversial Shift in Policy Recently, the Financial Times reported significant developments in South Africa’s telecommunications policy, initiated by the government's Minister of Communications, Solly Malatsi. He announced a plan that would permit telecom companies, including Starlink, to bypass the mandated 30% Black ownership requirement through measures such as ‘equity equivalence’. This initiative proposes that these companies might engage in local partnerships, create jobs, or…

Exciting changes are on the horizon for South Africa's telecommunications landscape, as the government prepares to ease local ownership rules for foreign satellite service providers. This policy shift particularly targets innovative companies like Elon Musk's Starlink, which have faced significant regulatory hurdles. It’s intriguing to consider what this means not just for business, but for South Africa's digital future. According to Solly Malatsi, the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, the…

In a significant development for the South African technology landscape, the government is contemplating extending a special exemption to Elon Musk, allowing his ambitious satellite internet service, Starlink, to operate within its borders. This move bypasses the stringent Black ownership requirements that characterize the country’s economic policies, particularly those aimed at promoting Black Economic Empowerment. This proposed exemption emerges amid rising tensions involving not only Musk but also former U.S.…

The Starlink Conundrum: Diplomacy or Manipulation? In an intriguing investigation by ProPublica in 2025, a complex tale unfolds involving significant tensions at the intersection of business and international diplomacy. At the heart of this narrative lies the government of The Gambia and its controversial dealings with Starlink, the satellite internet service spearheaded by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. Quite remarkably, the campaign entailed at least seven Gambian ministries embroiled in what could be perceived as veiled threats…

Starlink Lights Up the Digital Landscape in the Democratic Republic of Congo In a significant leap towards bridging the digital divide, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk announced on Sunday that the company’s satellite internet service, Starlink, is now fully operational in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This development, shared via his platform, X, has the potential to transform lives in a nation where connectivity has often been a distant dream. According to the International…

In a recent announcement, Starlink has rolled out a new pricing structure for its monthly subscriptions in Nigeria, igniting various responses across the country. This follows several unsuccessful attempts to institute a price increase between October 1 and December 28, 2024. The previous efforts had sparked criticism from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which characterized the proposed hikes as unilateral decisions that clashed with Nigeria's telecommunications pricing regulations. Nonetheless, in…

On a vibrant Friday, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) made headlines by officially granting a license to Elon Musk’s Starlink, positioning itself among the growing list of African nations embracing satellite internet. This decision marks a significant step forward for a country where only about 30% of the population currently has access to the internet, according to the International Telecommunication Union. As a nation that has faced its share of tumult, with an ongoing struggle against conflict and instability,…

Recently, Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni expressed optimism following a meeting with representatives from Starlink, the satellite internet service provider. Describing the discussions as “productive,” he conveyed his appreciation for their mission to deliver affordable internet in regions that have faced connectivity challenges. “I commend their dedication to offering low-cost internet in hard-to-reach areas and establishing a footprint in Uganda. They are most welcome,” Museveni shared on social media…