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In an exciting development for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and Reunion, Starlink has announced the establishment of a new ground station in the region. The facility, located at Teraco in Johannesburg, is set to revolutionize internet connectivity across member states.
This ground station is part of Starlink’s strategy to enhance connectivity in underserved regions. SADC members, along with Reunion, have recently acquired new sets of IPs, making the region an attractive hub for Starlink’s infrastructure. The Point of Presence (PoP) in Johannesburg is seen as a strategic choice due to its advanced data infrastructure and central location within Southern Africa.
While the decision not to establish the ground station in Zimbabwe may disappoint some, Johannesburg’s selection is widely regarded as ideal for regional connectivity. Industry experts believe this location will allow Starlink to effectively serve the broader SADC region while leveraging Johannesburg’s robust technological ecosystem.
One of the major components of this initiative is the backhaul traffic, which will rely on a key Internet Access Provider (IAP) yet to be announced. This element will play a critical role in ensuring seamless data transmission across the region.
The expansion of Starlink’s infrastructure signals a major step forward for internet accessibility in Southern Africa. Many had hoped Zimbabwe would host the ground station, but the choice of Johannesburg reflects a calculated decision to maximize efficiency and impact for the SADC community.
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