The regulator concluded a round of oral hearings in Gauteng aimed at developing a transparent satellite regulatory framework with clear rules for potential investors. Big satellite companies and mobile operators made their oral submissions.

However, in a written submission, the parent company to Starlink called for an overhaul of the licensing rules to remove Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) equity as a requirement, arguing that it discourages much-needed foreign direct investment.

The satellite hearings Chairperson from ICASA, Thabisa Faye, stated that SpaceX's written submissions were not withdrawn and would be considered.

"This is not about SpaceX or Starlink in any particular way. Should they want to participate in this sector, then they would follow the usual licensing processes that exist for everybody who wants to participate in the ICT sector. ICASA, unfortunately, doesn't regulate through the media. So until we receive a formal policy directive from the minister, we cannot respond to the minister's media publication around equity equivalence," Faye said.

--SABC/ChannelAfrica--