Starlink has either already launched or has planned rollout dates in 44 of Africa’s 54 United Nations-recognised countries — but South Africa is still not on its list for future availability.Starlink uses a network of more than 5,000 lower-earth orbit satellites for communication, enabling it to provide Internet coverage nearly anywhere in the world.
As of October 2023, Starlink is officially available in seven African countries, from where customers can place orders directly through Starlink’s website. South Africa’s estimated rollout date has also been unknown for several years, supposedly due to an Electronic Communications Act requirement that all telecoms licensees in South Africa must be 30% owned by historically disadvantaged groups.
Several Internet service providers — including IT Lec, Starsat Africa, and IcasaSePush — have seen this feature as an opportunity.