New Icasa regulations could boost Starlink’s prospects in Mzansi

Starlink signed an agreement with African Mobile Network in September 2023 to accelerate its deployment in Africa.

Icasa is inviting stakeholder comments on various aspects of satellite regulation such as licensing, spectrum fees, launch obligations, space segment authorizations, ground station authorizations and interference management.

The proposed regulations streamline the authorization process for foreign satellite operators, focusing on establishing a direct connection between regulators and operators without creating additional burdens.

The regulator has proposed creating an “authorised list of space stations” where registration would be a simple administrative process.

This streamlined process could speed up Starlink’s ability to provide service in South Africa.

Starlink already offers services in several African countries (Benin, Swaziland, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Zambia and Zimbabwe) and plans to expand to more countries by the end of 2024.

Starlink launches in Africa

Technology neutrality

Icasa wants a technology-neutral licensing approach in which satellite services would be classified according to the type of service they provide rather than the type of technology they use.

This means that satellite operators do not need a separate satellite licence but only need to comply with the relevant service licence conditions.

This can reduce the administrative burden and complexity for network providers as it does not require obtaining multiple licenses for different types of services.

Spectrum disorders

There is also a need to revise spectrum fee regimes for satellite services, taking into account the characteristics and advantages of different satellite technologies.

The current fee structure, when applied to gateway stations for high-throughput satellite systems, “results in high spectrum prices, which has deterred some satellite operators from investing in the country.”

Icasa suggests that low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite operators could pay lower spectrum fees than geostationary orbit (GEO) satellite operators because they use less spectrum and have lower interference potential.

This could reduce operating costs and increase the competitiveness of satellite services in the South African market.

Open sky

All indications in the government gazette are that the government intends to adopt an open skies policy for satellite communications, meaning that any satellite operator that meets Icasa’s technical and legal requirements will be able to provide services in South Africa, regardless of whether they have a local office.

Icasa acknowledges that satellite coverage can instantly reach areas where terrestrial networks are not cost-effective.

It seeks advice on how satellite operators can ensure broadband connectivity in underserved areas, possibly through partnerships with government programs.

The deadline for comments is November 12, 2024.