Namibia has rejected Starlink’s application to operate satellite internet services in the country. The decision marks a major development in the southern African telecommunications sector. The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) published the decision in a government gazette on Monday. Starlink Internet Services Namibia (Pty) Limited submitted the application and sought a full telecommunications service licence.
CRAN stated that the local subsidiary has no Namibian ownership. The regulator did not publish detailed reasons in the gazette but confirmed that it can provide them on request. Namibia’s largest telecommunications provider, MTC, opposed the application. The company raised concerns about national interests, lawful interception rules and compliance with the Communications Act.
Public opinion, however, strongly favoured Starlink’s entry. During a public consultation in late 2025, 1,164 out of 1,180 submissions supported the company. Many respondents argued that satellite internet could improve connectivity in rural and remote communities.
Starlink, operated by SpaceX and founded by Elon Musk, delivers high-speed internet via low-Earth-orbit satellites. The company has expanded across parts of Africa as governments seek to close digital access gaps.
Namibia’s move follows similar regulatory challenges in South Africa. There, ownership laws require 30% equity for historically disadvantaged groups. Those rules have delayed Starlink’s entry into that market.
Echo Namibia, using OneWeb satellite technology, has secured regulatory clearance. This approval shows Namibia supports satellite connectivity under specific conditions. Starlink has faced regulatory friction in Namibia before. In 2024, authorities issued a cease-and-desist order after the company operated without formal authorisation.
The latest rejection raises broader questions. African regulators must balance foreign investment, ownership requirements and national security concerns. At the same time, countries face rising demand for reliable digital infrastructure.
For now, Starlink’s expansion into Namibia remains paused. Policymakers must decide how to align connectivity goals with national regulatory frameworks.
