According to industry reports, StarSat-owner On Digital Media (ODM) is pursuing legal action against the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) after a recent raid led to the disconnection and confiscation of its equipment. The raid occurred on October 2, 2024, when Icasa, accompanied by the South African Police Service, entered StarSat’s Midrand offices and disconnected its services.
In response to these events, StarSat has stated that it is exploring all legal avenues to swiftly resolve the issue and restore its services. The company’s legal representatives have already approached the courts and are committed to informing all stakeholders, including customers, employees, and the media, as the situation progresses.
While acknowledging an ongoing dispute, ODM strongly contests the disconnection of its valid StarTimes Media connection, which it believes to be unlawful. The company also expressed its concern over the impact of the disconnection on its pan-African broadcast services.
StarSat has criticised Icasa for disregarding its request for a discussion regarding removing equipment, stating that the disconnection affects not only legitimate operations but also its pan-African broadcast services.
The dispute stems from StarSat’s pay-TV broadcasting license expiring in July 2023. The company only submitted its renewal application to Icasa in November of that year. According to the Electronic Communications Act, license renewal applications must be submitted no earlier than a year and no later than six months before the license expires.
Despite acknowledging the late application, StarSat has emphasised that it had regularly engaged with Icasa to explain its challenges leading up to the expiry. The company has expressed confidence in meeting all regulatory requirements and has sought the necessary approvals to resume its services.
