Government expected to change BEE rule for Starlink

Government looks set to change a rule that demands that global communication companies like Starlink must be 30% owned by historically disadvantaged groups if they wanted to operate in SA, reports News24. On Friday, Communications Minister Solly Malatsi said he will issue a policy direction that could offer alternatives to the 30% equity employment rule in the communications industry. This is thought to have held Starlink back from applying for a licence in SA. Malatsi said that other sectors have equity equivalent measures in place that provide an avenue for alternative ways for companies to make a contribution to SA's socio-economic development. He said clarity over equity alternatives in terms of the Electronic Communications Act would attract increased investment in ICT and accelerate universal internet access in the country. Malatsi said the policy direction will be considered urgently. Starlink – owned by Elon Musk's SpaceX – is a satellite internet provider that can beam internet to almost any area of the planet through its network of low-Earth-orbit satellites. While Starlink is able to provide service to people with a subscription and the right hardware, most countries – including SA – require internet providers to register for a licence to operate legally. Despite multiple meetings with Icasa, SpaceX has opted not to apply for a licence to operate in SA.