South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and US entrepreneur Elon Musk are discussing how the government could change rules so that the global satellite communications network Starlink could legally operate in South Africa, according to the media.
South Africa's president and the US entrepreneur "have been in contact to discuss ways for the government to change the rules to allow Starlink’s high-speed Internet to operate legally in South Africa," according to sources close to the conversation quoted by the media.
SpaceX's global satellite network, Starlink, ceased operations in South Africa on April 30. Starlink failed to obtain the necessary license from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa, which requires that 30% of companies applying for a license be owned by people from social groups that have historically suffered discrimination, including during apartheid.