EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: ICASA Chairperson Mothibi Ramusi Spills the Beans on Starlink and Satellite Internet
In a shocking revelation, ICASA Chairperson Mothibi Ramusi has admitted that the authority has yet to receive a formal application from Starlink, the satellite internet constellation operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, to operate in South Africa.
The bombshell statement comes as a surprise, considering the fact that Starlink has already launched its services in several African countries, including Botswana, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Zambia.
When asked about the status of Starlink’s application, Ramusi said, "Personally, since I’ve joined, I haven’t seen a document in the chairman’s office that says here is an application [from Starlink]."
The statement raises questions about the regulatory environment in South Africa and whether ICASA is keeping up with the pace of technological evolution.
Ramusi went on to explain that ICASA issues licenses to companies that want to provide services in the country, including satellite internet services. He emphasized that any company, including Starlink, would need to conform to the authority’s licensing requirements and conditions, including a 30% black empowerment requirement.
The chairperson also revealed that ICASA is looking at improving its licensing regime in relation to satellites and has published a discussion document on the proposed new licensing framework for satellite services.
The statement comes at a time when there is growing debate about the role of ICASA in the age of technology evolution and whether the authority’s legislative framework is keeping up with the pace of change.
Ramusi acknowledged that the authority has legislation and policies that may be considered "oldish" and emphasized the need to relook its legislative framework to ensure it remains relevant and effective.
The chairperson also emphasized the need to engage with citizens and stakeholders to hear their views on how to improve the authority’s legislative framework and regulatory environment.
The statement is a major blow to Starlink’s plans to enter the South African market, and it remains to be seen how the company will respond to the news.
In the meantime, ICASA’s decision to publish a discussion document on the proposed new licensing framework for satellite services is a significant step towards modernizing the authority’s regulatory environment and ensuring that it remains a relevant institution in the age of technology evolution.
