Summary of "ICASA says Starlink has been offering services in SA illegally"
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has expressed serious concerns that Starlink+satellite+internet+kit&tag=dtdgstoreid-21">Starlink, Elon Musk’s SpaceX Satellite internet service, may be operating illegally in South Africa without the required regulatory approvals. ICASA has formally contacted SpaceX seeking clarification and is currently investigating the matter, including confiscating related equipment in the Northern Cape linked to a local company, Ikasa Push, which allegedly distributes Starlink+satellite+internet+kit&tag=dtdgstoreid-21">Starlink technology without proper licensing.
ICASA Chairperson Mutibia Ramosi explained that any telecommunications service using spectrum in South Africa must have appropriate licenses and type approval for equipment. Despite warnings issued since 2022 about illegal operations, no significant repercussions have been enforced against SpaceX, Starlink+satellite+internet+kit&tag=dtdgstoreid-21">Starlink, or Ikasa Push. ICASA has taken legal action against Ikasa Push for infringing on its trademark and continues to pursue further enforcement.
SpaceX has responded to ICASA’s inquiries by instructing Ikasa Push to cease operations and distribution of their equipment in South Africa. However, ICASA remains concerned about potential unauthorized connections to Starlink+satellite+internet+kit&tag=dtdgstoreid-21">Starlink services, which pose security risks, especially given the satellite nature of the technology. ICASA is collaborating with other state agencies, including the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) and the security cluster, to monitor and control satellite activities within the country.
The chairperson highlighted that ICASA is engaging international regulators such as the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to uphold regulatory compliance and good governance. ICASA encourages local entities interested in providing telecommunications services to follow the proper licensing procedures to avoid similar issues.
On the matter of data security and sovereignty, ICASA noted South Africa’s data and cloud policy requires that data handled within the country should be stored domestically, ensuring control over information passing through satellite and other telecommunications services.
Regarding a recent directive by the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, ICASA recommended amending the Electronic Communications Act to address issues like equity equivalency in foreign telecommunications services, rather than issuing a policy directive. The consultation process is ongoing, and ICASA’s formal input will be made public after the statutory 30-day period.
In summary, ICASA is actively investigating Starlink+satellite+internet+kit&tag=dtdgstoreid-21">Starlink’s alleged illegal operations in South Africa, has engaged with SpaceX and local distributors, and is working with national and international bodies to enforce compliance and protect national security and regulatory integrity.
Presenter/Contributor:
- Mutibia Ramosi, Chairperson of ICASA
Category
News and Commentary
