Global Courant 2023-04-21 18:37:00
South African regulations prevent Starlink from bridging the digital divide. Main image: Space.com
The South African government has imposed a regulation requiring Elon Musk’s Starlink to hand over at least 30% of its equity to historically underserved groups in the country. In response to this regulation, the government has stated that South Africans will never receive free internet or data unless it is provided by an ANC executive or procurement contractor. This regulation will make it impossible for Starlink to operate in South Africa, denying millions of people access to technology.
Starlink is the world’s first and largest satellite constellation capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, video calling and other applications. South Africa, on the other hand, appears to be one of the few African countries that will not implement Starlink. At least 20 African countries have launched Starlink or plan to launch it in the near future. Mozambique and Botswana, two neighboring countries, are even ahead of South Africa in terms of deployment.
If Starlink were available in South Africa, it would give children in even the most remote areas access to information and learning materials. People could also educate themselves beyond the confines of traditional universities or schools, which are out of reach for millions. Everyone would have access to streaming services where different trades and skills can be learned, and the government would have the option to set up free online educational portals to give everyone a chance to escape high unemployment.
The government, on the other hand, would rather keep South Africans in the digital dark, uneducated, and unable to create affluent opportunities or lift themselves out of extreme poverty. This policy is absurd, and the ANC would rather see its politically connected friends get exorbitant tenders than actually make a difference in the lives of South Africans.
The DA has criticized this arrangement and will write to the Minister asking for it to be amended to remove the archaic, irrational and ridiculous barriers to progress. In addition, the prosecutor will request the office of Elon Musk and SpaceX to apply to the ANC government to offer these services in South Africa, pressuring the ANC to allow South Africans. join the rest of the world online and avoid becoming digital pariahs of the world. not only their own continent but the rest of the world.
Finally, the South African government’s regulation prevents Starlink from operating in the country, denying millions of people access to technology. The policies of the ANC government are illogical and prevent South Africans from creating affluent opportunities for themselves or lifting themselves out of extreme poverty. The DA is urging the government to change these rules to allow South Africans to connect with the rest of the world online.
