The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) held a series of hearings yesterday, gathering various stakeholders to discuss its proposed licensing framework for satellite services. These discussions are part of ICASA’s initiative to create a clear and transparent regulatory landscape to attract potential investors in the satellite sector.
As part of the regulatory framework, ICASA seeks to establish clear guidelines for authorizing user terminal operations within South Africa and to reevaluate spectrum fees, considering the increasing bandwidth demands of satellite systems operating at higher frequency bands.
Additionally, ICASA is looking to create a registration process for international space segment providers. This will include details regarding their status with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and how they plan to deliver services to South African consumers directly or in partnership with licensed local operators.
During the hearings, various stakeholders presented differing opinions on the proposed framework. A representative from Elon Musk’s SpaceX was absent, which caused some surprise as the company had been scheduled to participate. South Africans are particularly eager for the launch of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite service. However, its introduction remains uncertain due to compliance requirements with broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) before it can secure an operating license from ICASA.
In a recent written submission, Brandi Oliver, Starlink’s manager of global licensing and market activation, raised concerns about the current requirement for satellite operators to hold individual licenses to provide services directly to consumers. She pointed out that foreign satellite operators are often restricted by their global policies against local shareholding, which can inadvertently exclude them from the South African market—despite their willingness to meet B-BBEE standards.
Phila Sithole, head of industry research at the Association of Communications and Technology (ACT), represented the interests of mobile operators and emphasized the need for a transparent and equitable licensing process. According to Sithole, there has been a lack of clarity from ICASA regarding the rationale for its proposed approach to establishing a new licensing framework for satellite services.
He added that ACT advocates for a technology-neutral framework that fosters competition within the market. Sithole clarified that global regulatory standards highlight the importance of access for all market players. He argued that such frameworks should allow various technologies, including terrestrial and satellite systems, to operate under consistent guidelines, ensuring fair competition and encouraging investment.
Sithole further expressed concerns about potential impacts on existing licensees who have invested substantial resources to comply with current regulations. He warned that any sudden regulatory changes could jeopardize these investments and deter future contributions to the market.
Lastly, Judi Sandrock, co-founder of the Meta Economic Development Organisation, urged ICASA to ensure that satellite services are accessible, particularly in rural areas of South Africa. Sandrock called for simplified licensing procedures to accelerate the deployment of satellite technology in remote regions, advocating for tiered fee structures to make the technology more affordable and accessible.
