Direct-to-device satellite technology could extend mobile coverage into remote areas across Africa. (Image created via Gemini) Starlink’s current inability to enter the South African market highlights the regulatory hurdles facing satellite connectivity providers, as licensing requirements remain a key consideration for companies seeking to expand their presence across Africa. This was one of several discussion…
A patrol boat off the coast of Gabon intercepted three trawlers in July 2026, inside the Grand Sud Reserve. This is one of west and central Africa’s largest marine reserves, where industrial trawling is banned. None of the trawlers held a valid licence. The patrol found them because analysts at the non-profit Global Fishing Watch…
A decision by Elon Musk led to restrictions on Ukraine’s use of SpaceX’s satellite communications network, people familiar with the matter told CBS News. The satellite service, which is used for drone operations, hitting certain targets and protecting sites in Ukraine, was slowed significantly last week. Musk held multiple conversations with administration officials leading up…
Amazon is positioning LEO connectivity as a complement to fibre, wireless and mobile networks across South Africa and Africa. (Image created via Gemini) Amazon Leo plans to bring its direct-to-device (D2D), low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite service to South Africa from around 2028, as the satellite broadband provider expands its local offerings beyond fixed connectivity. This…
From left: Suzanette Cruz, Account Manager, Sales B2B; Nuno de Oliveira, Sales Operations Analyst, Sales; Andrea Aragão, Marketing Manager. Internet Technologies Angola S.A. (ITA) presented its OneWeb connectivity solution at the Angola Oil & Gas 2026 conference this week (9-10 September) to demonstrate reliable connectivity solutions that meet the communication needs of operations in environments…
From left, Suzanette Cruz, account manager, sales B2B; Nuno de Oliveira, sales operations analyst, sales; and Andrea Aragão, marketing manager Internet Technologies Angola (ITA) presented its OneWeb connectivity solution at the Angola Oil & Gas 2026 conference this week (9-10 September) to demonstrate reliable connectivity solutions that meet the communication needs of operations in environments…
The Starship spacecraft and the Super Heavy v3 booster stand in Starbase, Texas. Steve Nesius/Reuters SpaceX unveiled plans on Tuesday to build a Starship rocket launch complex in southern Louisiana, a US$100-billion effort poised to transform coastal wetlands into a critical base for the company’s AI satellite launch ambitions. The 125 000-acre site on Pecan Island,…
Cell C is in active discussions with SpaceX’s Starlink and Amazon Leo to resell their satellite broadband products and explore potential direct-to-device mobile connectivity. Confirming the confidential talks, CEO Jorge Mendes framed the negotiations as part of a “network-agnostic” strategy, viewing satellite and terrestrial infrastructure as complementary layers within a consolidated “network of networks.” Read:…
SpaceX has asked Icasa to resolve the black ownership rules blocking Starlink’s licensing, raising the issue at hearings ostensibly about satellite spectrum fees. Ryan Goodnight, senior director for market access and development at SpaceX, appeared before the the communications regulator on Wednesday to comment on draft amendments to the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations, 2015 and…
South Africa could put a satellite into orbit on a locally built rocket by 2030 – if someone finds R3-billion and the team building it grows sixfold. That is the ambition of the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Aerospace Systems Research Institute (ASRI), which is developing the liquid-fuelled Saffire engine and the two-stage commercial launch vehicle (CLV)…
