Under the agreement, Vodacom will be authorised to resell Starlink’s equipment and services to enterprise and small business customers in African markets where Starlink has obtained licenses. The partnership also allows Vodacom to develop localised Starlink solutions tailored to the specific needs and affordability levels of each market, broadening its value proposition.
Vodacom plans to integrate Starlink’s satellite technology into its existing terrestrial and space-based product offerings for sectors such as mining, oil and gas, agriculture, tourism, retail, and financial services. Additionally, the company aims to incorporate Starlink’s satellite backhaul services into its mobile networks to expand coverage and improve network performance, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
This collaboration aligns with Vodacom’s “Vision 2030” strategy to grow its customer base to 260 million and expand its digital financial services to 120 million users within five years. By leveraging Starlink’s satellite connectivity as a supplementary layer, Vodacom aims to achieve near-universal coverage and strengthen its commitment to bridging the digital divide, according to CEO Shameel Joosub.
Joosub emphasised that low Earth orbit satellite technology provides a vital solution where traditional infrastructure is unfeasible, unlocking new opportunities for connectivity in remote regions. Chad Gibbs, Vice President of Starlink operations at SpaceX, noted that Starlink is now operational in 25 African countries.
However, South Africa remains excluded from the rollout due to ongoing regulatory challenges. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk opposes the country’s 30% shareholding requirement for “historically disadvantaged” groups under its Black Economic Empowerment policy. Until Starlink resolves these licensing issues, Vodacom’s Starlink services will not be available in South Africa, as confirmed by MyBroadband.
Currently, Vodacom operates mobile networks in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, and Tanzania, with plans to expand further across the continent.
