As the demand for high-speed satellite internet grows, many South Africans are looking beyond Starlink for alternative solutions. Whether for businesses in remote areas, rural connectivity, or backup internet, several companies are working to provide satellite-based broadband. Some options are already available, while others are still in development. Here’s a breakdown of Starlink alternatives and their status in South Africa.
Why is Starlink Delayed in South Africa?
Starlink’s entry into the South African market has been delayed due to regulatory challenges, particularly the licensing requirements set by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA). One of the key issues is compliance with South Africa’s telecommunications laws, which require 30% local ownership for telecom providers. While discussions between SpaceX and regulators continue, no official launch date has been confirmed. Additionally, concerns around spectrum allocation and satellite interference have contributed to the delay.
This delay has left many South Africans seeking alternatives for reliable satellite internet. Fortunately, there are multiple options available or on the horizon, from local solutions to international projects that may expand to South Africa in the near future.
Top 10 Starlink Alternatives
1. Q-KON: A Local Alternative Enhancing LEO Connectivity
Availability in South Africa: ✅ Available
Q-KON, a South African satellite engineering enterprise, is enhancing Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity through partnerships with companies like Eutelsat OneWeb and Seacom. Its Twoobii Smart Satellite Services provide seamless integration with fiber networks, offering a viable alternative for businesses and remote areas needing reliable connectivity.
Pros:
Locally available with established infrastructure.
Integration with fiber networks for better reliability.
Cons:
Primarily business-focused rather than for home users.
Coverage and pricing may vary by region.
2. Eutelsat Konnect
Availability in South Africa: ✅ Available
Eutelsat Konnect is a European geostationary satellite providing high-speed broadband services across Sub-Saharan Africa. With a capacity of 75 Gbps and 92 Ka-band spot beams, it offers significant coverage for both urban and rural areas.
Pros:
High-capacity broadband suitable for various applications.
Extensive coverage in Africa and Europe.
Cons:
Higher latency compared to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.
Service quality may vary based on location and weather conditions.
3. YahClick (via Vox Telecom)
Availability in South Africa: ✅ Available
YahClick, in collaboration with Vox Telecom, offers satellite internet services designed for both urban and rural businesses in South Africa. Their solutions cater to areas where traditional broadband services are limited or unavailable.
Pros:
Established presence in South Africa with local support.
Suitable for both business and residential users.
Cons:
Potentially higher costs compared to terrestrial broadband.
Performance can be affected by weather conditions.
4. OneWeb (United Kingdom)
Availability in South Africa: ❌ Not yet available, but expanding.
OneWeb is deploying a LEO satellite constellation to provide global broadband internet. The company primarily targets businesses, governments, and remote areas.
Pros:
Lower latency than traditional geostationary satellites.
Strong government and corporate backing.
Cons:
No clear timeline for South African availability.
Business-focused rather than consumer-first approach.
5. Project Kuiper (Amazon, United States)
Availability in South Africa: ❌ Not available yet.
Amazon’s Project Kuiper plans to launch over 3,200 satellites to provide broadband internet globally. The first prototype launches began in 2024, but operational service is still years away.
Pros:
Amazon’s vast financial resources support the project.
Plans for high-speed, low-latency service.
Cons:
No official rollout for Africa yet.
Competing with more established players like Starlink.
6. Telesat Lightspeed (Canada)
Availability in South Africa: ❌ Not available yet.
Telesat Lightspeed is a LEO satellite project aimed at delivering high-performance internet for businesses, government agencies, and maritime applications.
Pros:
High-capacity data transmission.
Trusted Canadian aerospace experience.
Cons:
No South African presence yet.
Focused on enterprise solutions rather than direct-to-consumer internet.
7. AST SpaceMobile (United States)
Availability in South Africa: ❌ Not yet available.
AST SpaceMobile is working on satellites that provide 4G/5G connectivity directly to mobile devices without requiring additional hardware.
Pros:
No dish or specialized receiver needed.
Potentially revolutionary mobile connectivity solution.
Cons:
Still in testing phases.
Requires agreements with local mobile operators.
8. Qianfan (China)
Availability in South Africa: ❌ No clear rollout plan for Africa.
Qianfan is China’s ambitious LEO satellite project, aiming to launch over 10,000 satellites to provide broadband connectivity globally.
Pros:
Large-scale deployment plans.
Strong backing from China’s space industry.
Cons:
No indication of African expansion.
Geopolitical concerns may limit global partnerships.
9. Plan-S (Turkey)
Availability in South Africa: ❌ Not available yet.
Plan-S is a Turkish startup working on satellite connectivity, particularly for IoT and narrowband data services.
Pros:
Growing investment in satellite technology.
Potential for future expansion.
Cons:
Not focused on broadband internet for general users.
Early-stage development with few satellites deployed.
10. Hello Space (Turkey)
Availability in South Africa: ❌ Not available.
Hello Space is focused on narrowband data communication via LEO satellites, primarily targeting IoT applications.
Pros:
Specializes in low-cost satellite communication.
Designed for IoT and messaging services.
Cons:
Not a direct competitor to Starlink’s broadband services.
Early-stage project with limited availability.
Starlink Alternatives Comparison Table
| Provider | Country | Availability in SA | Satellite Type | Use Case / Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q-KON (Twoobii) | South Africa | ✅ Available | LEO / Hybrid via OneWeb | Business, rural connectivity |
| Eutelsat Konnect | Europe | ✅ Available | GEO | Consumer & business broadband |
| YahClick (via Vox) | UAE / SA partner | ✅ Available | GEO | Business & residential rural areas |
| OneWeb | United Kingdom | ❌ Not yet, expanding | LEO | Enterprise, government, remote access |
| Project Kuiper | United States (Amazon) | ❌ Not available | LEO | Future global broadband |
| Telesat Lightspeed | Canada | ❌ Not available | LEO | Enterprise, government, maritime |
| AST SpaceMobile | United States | ❌ Not yet available | LEO (Direct-to-device) | Mobile broadband without terminal hardware |
| Qianfan | China | ❌ No African rollout | LEO | National Chinese strategy, no global presence yet |
| Plan-S | Turkey | ❌ Not available | LEO (Narrowband / IoT) | IoT / M2M data services |
| Hello Space | Turkey | ❌ Not available | LEO (Narrowband / IoT) | Messaging, IoT, early-stage deployment |
Starlink and Fixed Wireless for businesses:
While Starlink’s satellite internet service is expanding across Africa, it’s not yet operational in South Africa. Fixed Wireless remains a reliable and accessible option for businesses in the region. Here’s how they compare:
| Feature | Fixed Wireless | Starlink (Business) – Not Yet Available in SA |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Up to 1 Gbps (depending on provider) | 40–220 Mbps (claimed, varies by location) |
| Latency | 10–30 ms | 20–60 ms |
| Reliability | High (line-of-sight, weather dependent) | Medium (weather + satellite congestion) |
| Installation Time | 3–7 days | 1–2 weeks (self or pro install) |
| Scalability | High – ideal for expanding businesses | Moderate – may require multiple terminals |
| Data Caps | Usually uncapped with business packages | Soft caps may apply – FUP in place |
| Best For | Businesses needing stable, high-throughput in urban and suburban areas | Remote/rural businesses with no fibre or wireless coverage |
| Cost | Varies based on provider and speed tiers | Higher upfront hardware cost + monthly fee |
| Availability in SA | Widely available in major metro & regional hubs | Not yet available; pending regulatory approval |
Bottom Line:
Choose Fixed Wireless if you’re in South Africa and need a reliable, scalable solution with low latency for VoIP, video conferencing, or cloud-based operations.
Consider Starlink for future planning if you’re in a remote location with no other viable broadband options, keeping in mind its pending availability in South Africa.
With Starlink still unavailable, these alternatives provide valuable options for those needing satellite internet. Q-kon, Eutelsat and YahClick stand out as a strong local options, while international providers may bring more choices in the coming years. If you’re in need of connectivity now, exploring existing local providers may be the best course of action.
