Pictures of Cyril Ramaphosa pumping hands with Elon Musk during a recent visit to New York have revived hope of Starlink extending its reach across our skies.  Whether a ‘bromance’ or not, a meeting between South Africa’s most powerful man and the world’s richest man augers well for Starlink coverage, a move certain to have immediate benefit for the maritime sector.

In early October the National Sea Rescue Institute added their voice to those clamouring for the high-speed satellite service.  “We are keenly interested in the recent South African government meetings with Starlink, recognising the opportunities it presents for our service and our beneficiary community, which is 98% historically disadvantaged,” said NSRI CEO Dr Cleeve Robertson in an NSRI statement.

The satellite technology promises to enhance connectivity, safety, and socio-economic development, and assist the NSRI in its mission to save lives on the country’s coastline and in inland waters, the statement said. “Starlink’s satellite internet service will revolutionise our ability to respond to emergencies, especially in remote and underserved areas. The real-time communication capabilities will enhance our rescue operations and, by extension, the safety of all South Africans engaging in water-based activities. Reliable, high-speed internet access can be a game-changer for our volunteers and the lives they work tirelessly to save,” Robertson said.

Government appears to be nudging closer to concluding a Starlink deal by signalling their intention to revisit the 30% empowerment rule pertaining to potential foreign satellite service operators in SA.

However as of mid-October it remains unclear whether the now famous New York handshake was just a photo opportunity, or a sign that better satellite communication is written in the stars.

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