Question NW2194 to the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
30 June 2023 - NW2194
Mazzone, Ms NW to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
Whether he will consider amending the regulations to allow companies such as Starlink to operate within the Republic, where it is in the public interest to be exempted from the 30% equity requirement (details furnished); if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2491E
Reply:
The 30% equity to be held by historically disadvantaged groups as enunciated in the regulations is derived from section 9(2)(b) of the Electronic Communications Act (Act No. 36 of 2005) as amended. On this basis, the regulations giving effect to the provisions of the Act, cannot be amended until the ECA is amended.
Any interested party, including Starlink can engage the Regulator to seek advise on operations in South Africa.
|As a Department, we welcome partners and investors to develop and invest in the sector and economy; and appeal that they comply with regulations for the sector.
Thank You.