South Africa Ponders Chinese Satellite Internet Collaboration as Starlink Experiences Regulatory Hurdles
In the heart of Shanghai, Communications Minister Solly Malatsi concluded his visit at the 2025 World AI Conference, marking the end of a journey that began with exploring low-Earth orbit satellite broadband solutions with the China Satellite Network Company (CSNC) [1][2].
The discussions, held in mid-2025, indicate active progress towards bringing CSNC’s satellite internet services to South Africa. While a specific launch date has yet to be announced, this potential collaboration could provide an alternative to SpaceX's Starlink, which currently faces regulatory hurdles in the country [1].
CSNC is constructing an expansive constellation of nearly 13,000 low-orbit satellites designed to provide high-speed, low-latency connectivity suitable for underserved communities [1]. This initiative reflects a broader push to improve digital infrastructure and expand broadband access through satellite technology.
The impetus behind this partnership is South Africa's goal to close the digital divide in rural and underserved areas where affordable internet access is lacking or unavailable [1][2]. Malatsi, in his meetings with tech giants Huawei and Honor, also discussed strategies for making smart devices more accessible to students and entrepreneurs [1].
The South African government's exploration of satellite internet solutions highlights its determination to close the digital divide, particularly in regions where mobile data is unaffordable or internet access is completely lacking. This move aligns with Minister Malatsi's assertion that "We're actively seeking solutions to bridge the last-mile gap in our rural and underserved communities, and satellite broadband stands out as a promising option" [1].
As the world continues to digitalise, South Africa seems to be positioning itself to stay competitive in global innovation while addressing its unique rural connectivity challenges. The arrival of CSNC's satellite internet services in South Africa, though not yet officially confirmed, is eagerly anticipated.
[1] South African Government Engages China's CSNC for Satellite Broadband Solutions. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.gov.za/speeches/communications-minister-solly-malatsi-speech-2025-world-ai-conference-shanghai [2] South Africa's Rural Connectivity Challenges: A Look at CSNC's Satellite Internet Services. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.techtimes.co.za/south-africas-rural-connectivity-challenges-a-look-at-csncs-satellite-internet-services/
- This proposed partnership between South Africa and the China Satellite Network Company (CSNC) in the realm of satellite internet services could stimulate growth in the technology industry, potentially offering an alternative to SpaceX's Starlink in the finance sector.
- In pursuit of improving digital infrastructure and closing the digital divide in underserved communities, the South African government is collaborating with tech giants like Huawei and Honor in the education-and-self-development space, to make smart devices more accessible to students and entrepreneurs.
- The application of science and space-and-astronomy technology, as shown by the CSNC's constellation of low-orbit satellites, can advance business operations, such as providing high-speed, low-latency connectivity that supports industry's growth and modernization.
