Starlink Suspends Roaming Sales in Africa, South African Users Search for Clarity

In a surprising turn of events, SpaceX's satellite internet service, Starlink, has ceased the sale of roaming plans across Africa. This decision, observed on October 25, 2024, has put South African users in a state of disarray, particularly those who were considering new subscriptions. While current roaming subscriptions seem unaffected, the inability for new customers to sign up has sparked widespread concern.

The change was first detected by South African Starlink communities on social media, where users reported the disappearance of African countries from the list of available roaming options. This led to speculation about whether it was a temporary glitch, an idea supported by South African unofficial Starlink importer, IcasaSePush, based on past experiences. Yet, the situation persisted.

Speculations suggest this measure could have been taken to control service quality issues arising from unsanctioned use in countries without an official Starlink presence. With the service being marked as "Sold Out" in several African cities, and performance lagging far behind promised speeds, the proliferation of roaming subscriptions may be overwhelming Starlink's capacity. Resellers and commentators have raised concerns that violations of the terms of service could lead to more severe actions by Starlink, potentially cutting off current users.

Despite earlier price hikes and the limitation on the service's continuous use outside of the registered country, South Africans managed by registering kits in neighboring countries officially recognized by Starlink. This practical workaround faces imminent closure due to the cessation of roaming plan sales, leaving users with a logistical predicament: travel extensive distances bi-monthly to maintain service activation or risk losing connectivity.

At the heart of the issue is Starlink's regulatory standing in South Africa, which remains uncertain. Although the country's launch date is still not determined, South African users have been dependent on the service, particularly those in remote areas with limited internet infrastructure.

The lack of official communication from Starlink about this development further increases apprehension among users who are anxious for a resolution. As the situation unfolds, the South African user community awaits clarity on whether the existing agreements will be honored and what SpaceX's long-term plans are for their space-based internet service in the African market.