SpaceX's Starlink Faces Regulatory Hurdles in Botswana and Zimbabwe
SpaceX's Starlink has faced regulatory setbacks in Botswana and Zimbabwe, with Botswana's BOCRA rejecting its application and ordering a service shutdown in Zimbabwe. The company is working with local authorities to address concerns and secure approvals for expansion in Africa.
BOCRA has prohibited Starlink's operations and the importation of its kits in Botswana due to unmet regulatory requirements. In Zimbabwe, Starlink has been ordered to disable its service by POTRAZ for unauthorized operations. The company is cooperating with the regulator to resume operations.
Regulatory hurdles have been a significant obstacle for Starlink's expansion in Africa. Some governments, like South Africa's ICASA, have expressed caution, ordering the sole importer of Starlink kits, IT Lec, to cease operations. IT Lec found a workaround, but ICASA has warned against it.
Starlink is also facing challenges in Ghana, but authorities have assured the public that a license will be granted once necessary requirements are fulfilled. The outcome of these regulatory battles will likely impact Starlink's ability to bring its connectivity solutions to more African communities.
Starlink's expansion in Africa is currently hindered by regulatory issues in several countries. The company is actively working with local authorities to address concerns and secure necessary approvals. The resolution of these regulatory battles will determine Starlink's ability to provide innovative connectivity solutions to more African communities.
