South Africa Still Locked Out of Starlink — But Here’s a Mobile Satellite Internet Option

In a twist of irony, South Africa — the birthplace of Elon Musk — remains one of the few countries in Africa where Starlink is still not legally available. While many of our neighbours already enjoy fast, low-orbit satellite internet, South Africans continue to wait for regulatory approval. Even Lesotho is now on the Starlink Map.

But if you need legal satellite internet in South Africa right now, there is an option: the Iridium GO! Exec.

Starlink’s African Surge — Except South Africa

Over the past two years, SpaceX’s Starlink has expanded rapidly across Africa, bringing fast and affordable satellite internet to countries like Nigeria, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, Eswatini, Zambia, and Malawi.

South Africa, however, remains excluded due to regulatory requirements. The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) requires all telecom operators to comply with local licensing and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) ownership rules — meaning that at least 30% of local equity must be held by historically disadvantaged South Africans.

Starlink, a U.S.-based company with a globally unified network, has so far declined to alter its ownership structure to meet those requirements.

While there have been talks about allowing “equity equivalent” investment models — where companies contribute to local infrastructure or training instead of transferring shares — no final decision has been made. As of late 2025, Starlink still has no approved license to operate in South Africa.

Meanwhile, users who tried to activate Starlink kits via foreign subscriptions have started to lose access after ICASA cracked down on unlicensed satellite connections.

Why This Matters for South Africans

South Africa’s delay in authorizing Starlink has major consequences:

• Digital inequality: Rural communities and remote farms remain dependent on outdated or expensive connectivity solutions.

• Lost competitiveness: Industries like mining, logistics, and eco-tourism lose access to low-latency satellite services already benefiting neighbouring nations.

• Regulatory uncertainty: The longer licensing issues persist, the further the country falls behind in global connectivity innovation.

Yet despite the regulatory roadblock, there is an alternative — and it’s one that works anywhere on Earth.

Meet the Iridium GO! Exec —Satellite Internet, Anywhere

The Iridium GO! Exec is a portable WiFi hotspot that connects to the Iridium satellite network, providing global coverage for voice, messaging (incl: whatsapp), and low-bandwidth internet. Unlike Starlink, Iridium operates within international agreements and is fully compliant with South African telecom law.

This device bridges the gap for anyone who needs reliable communication beyond the reach of normal networks — and it’s available right now through SatComms South Africa.

Key Features of the Iridium GO! Exec

• Works anywhere on Earth — land, sea, or air

• Two simultaneous high-quality voice calls

• Data speeds up to 88 kbps (sufficient for email, WhatsApp, weather, and news updates)

• Built-in WiFi hotspot for smartphones, tablets, and laptops

• USB-C and Ethernet ports for direct connections

• Weather-resistant and field-ready for outdoor use

• Compatible with Iridium prepaid and postpaid plans

You can pair it with our Iridium Airtime Packages for affordable global coverage — ideal for businesses, explorers, and field operations that depend on consistent communication.

Why the Iridium GO! Exec Is Legal in South Africa

Unlike Starlink, which relies on local gateways and ground-based regulatory approval, Iridium operates under a global network that does not require local base stations.

The Iridium network is fully licensed under international satellite coordination treaties, and the GO! Exec device is certified for legal use in South Africa.

That means you can enjoy satellite connectivity without breaking ICASA rules or risking disconnection.

Who Uses the Iridium GO! Exec?

This device is trusted by field workers, remote engineers, conservationists, and adventurers around the world. It’s ideal for:

• Remote farms or lodges needing basic internet and WhatsApp access

• Game rangers, wildlife researchers, and overland expeditions

• Mining and exploration crews

• Emergency services and disaster response teams

• Marine and offshore operations

• Travellers exploring remote parts of Africa

For anyone who needs a lifeline beyond cell coverage — and wants to stay compliant — the Iridium GO! Exec is the only practical option.

Starlink in South Africa — Still a Waiting Game

There’s hope that Starlink will eventually enter South Africa once new telecom policy adjustments are finalised. The government has hinted at more flexible transformation rules, which could open the door for companies like SpaceX.

However, even if Starlink gains approval, it will take time to set up licensed infrastructure and distribution channels locally. For now, South Africans will have to wait — or look to trusted global networks like Iridium that are already operating legally.

The Bottom Line

South Africa remains disconnected from Starlink, while most of Africa is already online via low-orbit satellites. The regulatory hurdles may eventually clear, but until then, the Iridium GO! Exec remains the only legal, fully portable satellite internet solution for South Africans.

It’s compact, powerful, and built for professionals who can’t afford to lose contact when it matters most.

✅ View the product: Iridium GO! Exec Satellite Internet Device

📞 Need a plan? See our Iridium Airtime Plans on the same product page

📡 Explore more: All Satellite Phones in South Africa