Not really: Starlink is more attractive to countries without strong local telecoms. Here are some views on starlink & South Africa 🇿🇦.
1. ICASA- The country regulates and sells EMR spectrum like real estate, requiring companies to purchase or license spectrum before operating. You can’t/ shouldn’t just beam EMR internet into South Africa 🇿🇦
2. South Africa has a 74% internet penetration rate and 80% surface coverage, mainly provided by local ISPs that Hire local workers,Pay major taxes within South Africa, Have government ownership stakes,Are listed on the JSE allowing citizens to invest in stocks so they serve as crucial economic assets.
3. Countries that adopt Starlink before developing their own telecoms will lose the chance to build local industries. They risk becoming permanently dependent on Elon Musk, Starlink, and the USA 🇺🇸, locking their infrastructure into foreign hands forever.
4. Local Partnerships & BEE -Even global players like Vodafone had to partner with Telkom to form Vodacom when entering South Africa. This highlights the importance of local partnerships for operating within the country.