Dear Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies,

While offering revolutionary global internet access, Starlink also presents several national defence concerns. These risks stem from its capabilities, ownership, and geopolitical implications. Here are the key dangers:
1. Dual-Use Technology (Civilian + Military Use)
•Military Applications: Starlink provides high-bandwidth, low-latency communication globally, which can be used for:
o Real-time battlefield coordination
o Drone and UAV control
o Secure military communication networks
National Security Risks
•Starlink is a US-based company, and SpaceX has contractual ties with the Pentagon. This raises concerns over surveillance and data access, and interference by US agencies.
•Critical Infrastructure Dependence: Reliance on a foreign-controlled communications network could expose the country to geopolitical leverage, especially during conflicts or sanctions.
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2. Private Control of Strategic Infrastructure
•Owned by a Private Company: SpaceX, a U.S. private firm, controls Starlink. This raises concerns for national sovereignty because:
o A private individual (Elon Musk) can potentially unilaterally disrupt or deny service for geopolitical or business reasons.
o Lack of governmental oversight in foreign nations where Starlink operates could leave countries vulnerable to coercion or service withdrawal.
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3. Reduced Sovereign Control Over Communications
•Bypassing National Infrastructure: Starlink can offer internet access directly to users, circumventing national telecoms and security agencies.
o Governments may lose the ability to monitor or regulate data traffic.
o Censorship-resistant communications can aid both democracy movements and extremist or criminal networks.
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4. Cybersecurity Risks
•Hacking or Sabotage: A successful cyberattack on Starlink satellites or ground stations could disrupt internet access in multiple countries, potentially including military systems relying on the network.
•Dependency Risk: Military forces becoming reliant on Starlink for secure comms may face disruption if the system is compromised or withdrawn.
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5. Space-Based Surveillance or ISR Capabilities
•While not its primary function, a dense constellation like Starlink could be repurposed or augmented with sensors or cameras for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) purposes.
•This poses a strategic surveillance risk at the behest of foreign countries.
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6. Potential for Strategic Escalation
•Weaponization of Space Assets: In a conflict, Starlink satellites could be targeted by anti-satellite weapons (ASATs), escalating tensions and contributing to the militarization of space.
•Kinetic or cyber attacks on Starlink could provoke responses, blurring the lines between civilian and military infrastructure.
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7. Legal and Regulatory Grey Areas
•Jurisdiction issues: Starlink operates across borders, often without clear regulatory approval or legal frameworks in many nations.
•This creates ambiguities in accountability, especially during a conflict or cyber incident.
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8. Spectrum & Licensing Conflicts
•Starlink operates in unlicensed spectrum bands, potentially causing interference with local services.
•Starlink’s user terminals (dishes) connect directly to satellites, bypassing local ISPs. This could undermine South Africa’s Universal Service Obligations, where telecom providers are required to expand services to rural areas.

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In Summary
Risk Description
Military Use Enhances battlefield capabilities (e.g., Ukraine war).
Private Control Elon Musk or SpaceX can influence geopolitical events.
Loss of Sovereign Control Circumvents national infrastructure and censorship.
Cybersecurity Vulnerable to hacking, espionage, or disruption.
Space Militarization Satellites could be repurposed or targeted in conflict.
Legal Gaps Operates in many nations without full regulatory clarity.

While Starlink’s entry poses substantial risks, particularly regarding national security and data sovereignty.