South Africa Paves the Way for Starlink’s Smooth Entry
In the directive signed by Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi, the government has asked the national telecoms regulator to implement an equity equivalent program.
South Africa’s government is advancing a new policy directive aimed at easing Black-ownership requirements in the telecommunications sector. The move is intended to attract global satellite providers, including Elon Musk’s Starlink , to operate in the country, Bloomberg has reported.
According to the said report, in the directive signed by Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi, the government has asked the national telecoms regulator to implement an equity equivalent program. This can allow satellite operators to access the South African market without needing to transfer ownership stakes, offering a workaround to existing regulations.
The policy can potentially boost connectivity by encouraging broader participation from global players in Africa’s largest telecom market.
