Photo: Elon Musk (Getty Images) Author: Natalia Kava
Starlink satellite internet is still unavailable in South Africa, raising questions among local users. SpaceX founder Elon Musk explained the situation by saying he is “not black”
As reported by RBC-Ukraine, he wrote about this on Twitter.
“Starlink is not allowed to operate in South Africa because I am not black,” Musk wrote, alluding to the peculiarities of South African politics.
It is worth recalling that South Africa has an economic transformation framework that provides support for businesses owned by black people. Companies that do not meet these criteria may have difficulty obtaining licenses.
Despite the high demand for Starlink in South Africa, it has yet to receive official permission to operate. The local government requires SpaceX to adhere to quotas for hiring black owners, a requirement for doing business in the country. Musk, who was born in South Africa, has criticized these restrictions and said the company will not accommodate discriminatory requirements that limit the free market.
Meanwhile, South Africans, especially in rural areas where traditional internet connections are limited, are demanding more access to Starlink. Some citizens are trying to circumvent the ban by buying terminals in neighboring countries where Starlink is already operating. However, without official permission, using satellite internet in South Africa remains questionable.
Earlier, we wrote that the Canadian province of Ontario will ban American companies from entering into contracts with local agencies and local governments. The contract with Starlink will also be terminated.
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