Why Shipalana Believes Satellite Internet Could Widen the Digital Divide
As South Africa looks toward satellite internet services like Starlink with growing interest, telecommunications expert Sean Shipalana is sounding the alarm. While the technology garners global praise, Shipalana says it risks becoming another exclusionary tool that leaves rural communities further behind.
Shipalana’s Grounded Approach to Connectivity
As Director of Moropa Site Solutions, Shipalana, pictured with Khanya Shipalana, focuses on expanding telecommunications tower infrastructure, particularly in underserved rural areas of South Africa. His approach is community-first, focusing on scalable, practical connectivity solutions tailored to local realities.
He outlines three key reasons satellite internet fails these communities:
- High Cost: The required hardware exceeds R6000, with monthly costs far beyond the reach of most rural households.
- Inflexibility: Fixed installation and continuous electricity are unrealistic in informal settlements and areas affected by load-shedding.
- Limited Functionality: Without specialist equipment, satellite lacks basic GSM voice call capabilities, which are essential for emergency response.
The True Cost of Ignoring Local Infrastructure
Shipalana warns that reducing investment in traditional infrastructure in favor of satellite alternatives could do more harm than good.
“It is being sold as a silver bullet, but in reality, satellite is a designer solution for the few who can afford it—not a national strategy,” says Shipalana.
Tower infrastructure, he explains, is more than just a technical backbone. It powers jobs, local economic growth, and empowerment:
- Maintenance and construction roles
- Ground rental income for landowners
- Power upgrades and access to learning and communication tools
“Satellite companies don’t build roots in communities. They don’t create jobs. They don’t ask how they can support local development,” explained the businessman.
A Call for Sustainable, Inclusive Digital Progress
The passionate entrepreneur and Moropa Site Solutions are urging government and regulators to safeguard South Africa’s local telecoms economy.
He concluded by saying: “If we want real, inclusive digital progress, it has to be built from the ground up. We must work with communities, for communities.”