The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) said it is investigating allegations that Elon Musk’s company, Starlink, is illegally operating in the country.
Starlink is a satellite internet service operated by SpaceX, and it doesn’t have the requisite authorisation to provide its services in the country.
The watchdog said it has also formally engaged SpaceX to seek clarity on the reported activities and is currently awaiting a response.
“Furthermore, ICASA has instituted a formal investigation to ascertain the veracity of the allegations and to gather relevant facts and evidence.
Members of the public and industry stakeholders who are in possession of any supporting evidence are encouraged to submit such information to this email satinvestigation@icasa.org.za to assist with the investigation,” read a statement from ICASA.
The authority said it has in the interim, deployed inspection teams to conduct physical verifications in the affected areas.
The teams are accompanied by relevant organs of state to ensure a coordinated and lawful response.
“Should the investigation yield any breach with regulatory and legislative frameworks, the Authority will explore the applicable enforcement actions within its disposal.
This may include amongst others lodging a formal complaint with the M Ramusi (Chairperson), T Faye, C Mushi, N Nontombana, N Sithole, T Maluleka-Disemelo (CEO) International Telecommunication Union (ITU),” said ICASA Chairperson, Mothibi Ramusi.
Starlink was in the news in parliament this week, after some members of parliament accused the Communications and Digital Technologies Minister, Solly Malatsi, of gazetting new ICT policies, to ensure that Starlink by-pass the country’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment legislation.
