South Africa's communications regulator Icasa has clarified that satellite operators like Starlink cannot currently obtain new network licences (I-ECNS) because no invitation to apply is open and an ongoing inquiry into the need for new licences must first conclude. The only realistic legal path for new entrants is to acquire an existing licence from a current holder via a commercial transfer under section 13 of the Electronic Communications Act. The notice also highlights a second hurdle: operators must demonstrate how lawful interception will be handled when gateway earth stations are located outside South Africa. This comes amid the stalled effort to bring Starlink to South Africa, where a December 2025 ministerial policy direction on equity-equivalent investment programmes hit a legal wall, with Icasa saying it needs an ECA amendment to comply.
Nguồn: https://techcentral.co.za/icasas-blunt-message-to-starlink-and-other-satellite-operators/283138. 8sync News chỉ tóm tắt và dẫn link; bản quyền nội dung thuộc tác giả và nguồn gốc.