Elon Musk says SpaceX is waiting for regulatory approval to launch its Starlink satellite internet service in SA. The SpaceX and Tesla founder made a terse statement on the process in SA in response to a post on X on Sunday.

A SA X user published a post about the difficulties of educating their children online with a 6Mbps satellite internet service attached to a windpump – and pleaded for Starlink to be brought to the country. 

Musk responded, saying: ‘Waiting for regulatory approval’.

However, a spokesperson from the Independent Communications Regulator of SA (Icasa) yesterday confirmed that it had not yet received an application from SpaceX for a communications licence. 

Fin24 reports that Starlink has created a high-speed internet network accessible almost anywhere on the planet with the right hardware through its fleet of satellites that are in low-Earth orbit.

While Starlink has started to clear regulatory hurdles across Africa, including in SA's neighbours in Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and eSwatini, local regulations have proven too challenging.

A provision in the Electronic Communication Act requires holders of communications licences to be 30%-owned by historically disadvantaged groups.

This is thought to be the biggest stumbling block that has prevented SpaceX from making an application.

Icasa recently signalled its intent to accommodate international satellite internet service providers.

In August, the communications regulator placed a notice in the Government Gazette which proposed an inquiry for new satellite rules in the country.

Full Fin24 report