SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has once again accused the South African government of obstructing the licensing process for its satellite internet service, Starlink, over the weekend. Musk suggested that the refusal is linked to his race, despite the fact that he was born in South Africa.
In a post on the social media platform X, Musk stated that South Africa "does not permit Starlink to obtain a license" and connected the situation to racial discrimination. He further claimed that there were repeated suggestions to "pretend that Starlink South Africa is operated by Black individuals in exchange for a license," but he declined on principle.
Musk framed the dispute as a matter of principle, asserting that discrimination against any group should not be encouraged. He also criticized South African politicians, urging the public to oppose what he described as racist officials.
The accusation is notable because Starlink has become a prominent connectivity solution in many markets, and Musk's remarks indicate that South Africa is an exception—a situation he attributes to political factors rather than technical or market demand. The contrast is particularly striking given Musk's personal connection to South Africa, where he was born.
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