Starlink Suspends Services in South Africa, Citing “Unauthorised Territory”
While the satellite internet provider has yet to officially launch in South Africa, local users found a workaround by purchasing international roaming kits, despite repeated warnings from the national regulator, ICASA.
Starlink has begun cutting off users relying on its roaming services, signalling a sharp pivot in the ongoing standoff over regulatory compliance.
Some South African users of Starlink’s roaming plans received abrupt service suspension notices this past weekend. In the communication, Starlink stated:
“You are currently using Starlink in an unauthorised territory. As a result, your service will be suspended effective immediately.”
While the satellite internet provider has yet to officially launch in South Africa, local users found a workaround by purchasing international roaming kits, despite repeated warnings from the national regulator, ICASA . The platform’s speed, low latency, and wide coverage made it especially popular in rural areas where traditional connectivity is limited or non-existent.
The abrupt service cuts follow mounting political and regulatory scrutiny. Questions around Starlink’s lack of licensing in South Africa were reignited last week during a Parliamentary session. Shortly after, ICASA confirmed it had launched an investigation into the “allegedly unlawful” use of the service.
