(Ecofin Agency) - The satellite internet network provided by the constellation of satellites deployed in space starting in 2019, by the American company SpaceX, will be available in South Africa in 2022. A message is delivered, to this effect, to consumers who want to take part in the public beta version of the network initiated in October 2020.

South Africans can already pre-order Starlink's Internet service for $99. The company says it will process requests on a first-come, first-served basis given the current limited availability of users per coverage area.

“Your deposit payment is exclusive of any VAT or other taxes and will be applied towards a future purchase of Starlink equipment offered by SpaceX as part of its two-way satellite-based internet service […]By placing your deposit payment, you have established priority within your region for purchasing the Starlink Kit when available," says Starlink.

In its "South Africa - 2021 Forecast Highlights" study, published in 2016, the technology conglomerate Cisco estimated that the South African Internet market would experience an explosion in demand, with traffic volume reaching 942,000 terabits per month in 2021, up from 302,000 terabits per month in 2016. With the increased demand for data induced by Covid-19 which has changed Internet consumption habits in the country, these estimates should certainly be revised upwards. They reflect a market rich in opportunities on which Starlink can capitalize to establish its growth. 

Muriel Edjo