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Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia has denied a licence application from Starlink Internet Services Namibia (Pty) Ltd, preventing the satellite internet provider from launching services in the country.
The decision, published in the Government Gazette on March 23, confirms that the regulator will not issue a class comprehensive telecommunications service licence to the company at this stage. Without approval, Starlink cannot legally operate or offer connectivity services within Namibia.
The Namibian unit is linked to Elon Musk, whose satellite internet network has been expanding rapidly across Africa. Starlink, the brainchild of SpaceX, aims to bridge the connectivity gap in hard-to-reach and isolated regions. It accomplishes this by beaming broadband internet down from a constellation of satellites orbiting the Earth.
CRAN spokesperson Mufaro Nesongano confirmed the outcome following the formal notice, stating that the authority had completed its review process before reaching a determination.
Starlink had applied for both a telecommunications licence and access to radio spectrum, a requirement for operating satellite-based services. The application underwent a public consultation phase last year, drawing hundreds of submissions from industry participants and members of the public.
Regulators had previously cautioned that no provider can operate without full compliance with Namibia’s Communications Act. Authorities have made it clear that multinational companies must meet the same licensing requirements as local companies, no matter how big or little they are or how many markets they are in.
The rejection underscores the regulatory complexities facing satellite internet providers as they expand into new markets. While Starlink has secured approvals in several African countries, its rollout has encountered delays in jurisdictions with strict licensing frameworks and local ownership considerations.
For Namibia, this move underscores a commitment to regulatory oversight and sector control, despite the increasing need for faster internet. For Starlink, it represents a temporary setback that may require revisiting its application strategy to align with local requirements.
Users in Namibia seeking access to satellite broadband will likely need to wait until a revised application is submitted and approved. The timeline for any potential re-entry remains uncertain.
