How did Lesotho get Starlink before South Africa?
How did Lesotho get Starlink before South Africa? This question has become a prevalent talking point in Southern Africa, highlighting the stark contrast in technological adoption between two geographically intertwined nations.1 While Lesotho, the mountainous kingdom, has celebrated the launch of SpaceX’s satellite internet service, South Africa continues to face delays, primarily due to intricate regulatory hurdles.2 Specialist journalist Carol Paton, in her insightful analysis for The Lead, elucidates that the real reasons behind this disparity are far more complex than they might appear, rooted deeply in the differing approaches to local regulations and foreign investment.
The arrival of Starlink in Lesotho marks a pivotal moment for the small nation, promising to bridge significant connectivity gaps, particularly in its rural and underserved regions.4 For years, internet access in the mountainous terrain of Lesotho has been a challenge, with traditional broadband infrastructure struggling to reach remote communities.5 The Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) granted Starlink a 10-year operating license on April 14, 2025, a culmination of a year-long regulatory review process.6 This proactive stance by Lesotho‘s government to revise its telecommunications laws and accommodate Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology underscores its commitment to digital transformation.
In contrast, South Africa, despite its more developed telecommunications sector and greater economic prowess, has found itself in a prolonged stalemate with Starlink.7 The core of the issue lies in South Africa‘s stringent Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) regulations, which mandate that a significant portion (typically 30%) of a licensee’s equity must be held by historically disadvantaged persons. While this policy is designed to promote inclusive economic participation, it presents a substantial obstacle for global companies like Starlink, which typically seek to retain full ownership of their international subsidiaries for operational consistency. This is a crucial point in understanding why Lesotho moved swiftly.
The regulatory hurdles in South Africa are not merely about the 30% local ownership rule. They extend to the overall pace of legislative reform and the complex interplay between different government entities and industry stakeholders. ICT regulatory experts have suggested that the process of securing a license in South Africa could take at least two years, even with proposed alternative mechanisms like Equity Equivalent Investment Programmes (EEIPs).8 These EEIPs would allow companies to invest in areas like education or small Black-owned businesses instead of relinquishing shares. However, this proposal itself has sparked political debate, with some accusing the Communications Minister of creating a “shortcut” for Starlink, implying a lack of a level playing field for all operators.
The delay in South Africa‘s adoption of Starlink has significant implications. The country risks falling behind its regional neighbours in terms of advanced connectivity, which could impact various sectors, from education and healthcare to business and innovation.9 While informal use of Starlink in South Africa has been reported, often through registering services in neighbouring countries and utilizing roaming, this is not a sustainable or officially sanctioned solution.10 The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has even initiated investigations into alleged unlawful use of Starlink services within the country, highlighting the regulatory vacuum.
The decision by Lesotho to embrace Starlink also reflects a pragmatic approach to addressing its unique geographical challenges. The mountainous terrain makes traditional fibre and mobile network expansion costly and difficult. Satellite internet, with its wide coverage and ability to bypass physical infrastructure limitations, offers a viable and rapid solution for connecting remote communities.12 The Lesotho government sees this as a catalyst for economic growth, digital inclusion, and improved access to essential services in areas that would otherwise remain underserved.
Furthermore, the launch of Starlink in Lesotho has ignited a debate about foreign investment and local participation across the continent.14 While some local telecom operators in Lesotho, like Vodacom Lesotho, initially raised objections regarding Starlink’s complete lack of local ownership, the government ultimately prioritized the immediate benefits of enhanced connectivity. This contrasts sharply with the strong resistance from some quarters in South Africa, where the emphasis on local ownership and control remains paramount. The ongoing discussions between Starlink and South African authorities, including the company’s pledged investment of ZAR 2 billion (approximately USD 113 million) in South Africa if it secures a license, underscore the high stakes involved.
The narrative of How did Lesotho get Starlink before South Africa? is a compelling case study in how different national priorities, regulatory frameworks, and economic pressures can shape technological advancement. For Lesotho, the clear need for widespread internet access and a streamlined regulatory process paved the way for swift adoption. For South Africa, the commitment to transformative economic policies, while crucial, has inadvertently created regulatory hurdles that have slowed the arrival of a potentially transformative technology.
As the digital divide continues to be a pressing issue across Africa, the experiences of Lesotho and South Africa with Starlink offer valuable lessons. The global push for ubiquitous internet access, coupled with the rapid evolution of satellite technology, will undoubtedly necessitate a re-evaluation of traditional regulatory approaches. Ultimately, the question remains whether South Africa can find a balanced path that upholds its economic transformation goals while also fostering an environment conducive to the swift adoption of innovative technologies that can truly benefit its citizens, especially those in rural and underserved areas.
References from South African Mainstream Media:
- MyBroadband: “Vodacom and MTN warned about fighting Starlink – MyBroadband.”17 (Published: June 30, 2025). Link: https://mybroadband.co.za/news/broadband/600129-vodacom-and-mtn-warned-about-fighting-starlink.html
- Business Insider Africa: “Elon Musk’s Starlink eyes South Africa expansion with $113 million spend.” (Published: June 30, 2025). Link: https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/markets/elon-musks-starlink-eyes-south-africa-expansion-with-dollar113-million-spend/s3hffj7
- The Star (Opinion Piece): “President and minister must be praised for Starlink.” (Published: July 1, 2025). Link: https://thestar.co.za/the-star/opinion/5292122464845824/
- TechCentral: “Starlink launches in Lesotho amid US tariff threat.” (Published: June 24, 2025). Link: https://techcentral.co.za/starlink-launches-in-lesotho-us-tariff/265602/
- Bizcommunity: “Starlink launches amid job losses in Lesotho.”18 (Published: June 25, 2025). Link: https://www.bizcommunity.com/article/starlink-launches-amid-job-losses-in-lesotho-259327a
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