SpaceX Urges South Africa’s ICASA to Rethink Proposed Satellite Spectrum Fees
In its submission, signed by Senior Director of Market Access and Development Ryan Goodnight, SpaceX commended ICASA for its consultation process while raising key concerns regarding fee structures and spectrum management.
Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) has submitted formal written representations to South Africa’s Independent Communications Authority (ICASA) regarding proposed changes to the country’s spectrum fee framework. The submission, dated June 29, 2026, responds to the Draft Amendment of the Radio Frequency Spectrum Fees Regulations published in May 2026. SpaceX, which operates the Starlink satellite network, expressed a strong intent to expand its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite broadband services to South African consumers and businesses through a local subsidiary.
In its submission, signed by Senior Director of Market Access and Development Ryan Goodnight, SpaceX commended ICASA for its consultation process while raising key concerns regarding fee structures and spectrum management. SpaceX welcomed the introduction of a frequency factor in the Gateway Earth Station fee formula to avoid penalizing high-throughput satellite systems operating in higher frequency bands. However, the company advocated for alternative fee models, such as a flat annual licence fee, arguing that bandwidth-based pricing does not reflect the economic reality of satellite operations. SpaceX also requested that fees be assessed on a per-licence basis rather than per individual earth station site.
Regarding user terminals, SpaceX expressed support for blanket licensing for terminal networks, including Earth Stations in Motion (ESIMs) used on aircraft and vessels. The company sought clarification on how fee obligations will be split in disaggregated supply chains—specifically between foreign satellite operators and local service providers—to prevent potential double-charging. Additionally, SpaceX recommended expanding the frequency factor table beyond 50 GHz to accommodate emerging E-Band and millimetre-wave technologies, and urged ICASA to establish a minimum licence duration of 10 years to provide regulatory certainty for long-term infrastructure investment.
Finally, SpaceX highlighted that spectrum fees cannot be separated from South Africa’s broader regulatory and ownership requirements. The company called on ICASA to provide clear, consolidated guidance on how foreign satellite providers should navigate local entity requirements, the 30% Historically Disadvantaged Group (HDG) equity requirement, and alignment with the ICT Sector Code under Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) legislation. SpaceX requested the opportunity to present oral representations if ICASA decides to hold public hearings.
