Residents in South Africa relying on SpaceX’s Starlink satellite broadband service have been abruptly cut off as the company clamps down on what it deems unauthorised use of its roaming offerings.
Over the weekend, subscribers using Starlink’s Roam Unlimited and Global Roaming packages received notifications stating their connections had been terminated. The reason? South Africa, according to Starlink, is not an approved territory.
“You’re accessing Starlink in an unauthorised location. As a result, your service is being suspended immediately,” read the terse communication. The company further pointed to its Terms of Service, noting that access is contingent upon regulatory approvals, which can shift without warning.
Starlink offered affected users two choices: cancel the service or resume usage in a country where Starlink has been officially sanctioned.
Though this may shock some, it’s been an open secret that South Africans have used Starlink’s roaming services as a workaround without formal local availability for the past two and a half years. Starlink’s low latency and fast speeds have proven invaluable in rural and underserved areas despite higher pricing than residential plans.
The service persisted after the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) declared such usage “illegal” in November 2023. Since then, Icasa has said little publicly.
Tensions escalated recently when Communications Minister Solly Malatsi faced tough questions in Parliament regarding his equity equivalents policy, which aims to broaden participation in the ICT sector. During the session, a member of the MK Party raised concerns over Starlink’s unregulated presence and accused informal distributors—most notably one known as “IcasaSePush”—of operating as covert representatives of Starlink.
In a move likely prompted by this parliamentary scrutiny, Icasa swiftly released a statement promising action. “Icasa has become aware of reports suggesting that Starlink is operating within South Africa without the necessary authorisation,” it said. The regulator confirmed that a formal investigation was now underway.
Icasa chairperson Mothibi Ramusi added that if the probe uncovers regulatory breaches, the authority would consider enforcement options, potentially including complaining with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Meanwhile, Starlink is not retreating quietly. The company has appealed directly to South Africans who previously registered interest on its website, urging them to support the Minister’s equity equivalents policy, which could pave the way for Starlink to gain the necessary licensing.
“If the government enacts this policy and updates the regulatory framework, we’ll be able to formally apply for authorisation to operate,” said Starlink. “That would allow us to finally connect you—and thousands of others who have been waiting.”
While discontinuing roaming access will undoubtedly disrupt lives and livelihoods, particularly in areas with limited connectivity options, some observers view it as a necessary moment of reckoning.
In Southern Africa, Namibia remains blocked from accessing Starlink’s services while licensing talks continue. However, the country is expected to welcome the service later this year. Similar temporary blocks were also imposed in Botswana and Zimbabwe, though both nations have since granted operational licences.
Progress may be slow in South Africa—even if the government green-lights equity equivalents. Any regulatory shift will likely be subject to a lengthy legislative process, meaning that Starlink’s official launch remains indefinitely on hold.
