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South Africa Eases Ownership Rules for Starlink, Addresses Criticism

12/13/2025

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Summary

Story summary

South Africa's Communications Minister Solly Malatsi will remove the 30% local equity ownership requirement for Starlink and other foreign satellite providers.
Providers may meet affirmative action goals via 'equity equivalent' investments in skills training and community programs.
The change addresses Elon Musk's criticism that South Africa's ownership laws are 'openly racist'.
Starlink has not yet applied for a license in South Africa.

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Story summary

South Africa's Communications Minister Solly Malatsi will remove the 30% local equity ownership requirement for Starlink and other foreign satellite providers.
Providers may meet affirmative action goals via 'equity equivalent' investments in skills training and community programs.
The change addresses Elon Musk's criticism that South Africa's ownership laws are 'openly racist'.
Starlink has not yet applied for a license in South Africa.