Namibia has rejected billionaire Elon Musk‘s Starlink’s application to operate in the country, denying the satellite internet company both a telecommunications licence and radio spectrum access.
Namibia Vs Starlink
On Monday, March 23, 2026 the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) made the decision public through an official government notice.
The notice did not provide specific reasons for denying Starlink’s applications but did state that the regulator could reconsider the decision “on its own motion or on a petition filed by an aggrieved party” within 90 days. 
Namibian law (under the Communications Act) provides that any telecommunications licensee be at least 51% owned by Namibian citizens meanwhile Starlink has 0% local ownership.
READ ALSO: How Africans Are Landing Remote Global Jobs Without Relocating: Top Industries Hiring Now
In November 2024, CRAN issued a cease-and-desist order against Starlink, accusing it of operating without a licence. The regulator also warned consumers against purchasing Starlink equipment and seized illegal terminals.
Despite its rapid expansion, Starlink has encountered significant regulatory challenges and opposition from state-owned telecom operators in several countries, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Cameroon.
Since its launch in Nigeria in January 2023, SpaceX’s Starlink has rapidly expanded across Africa. By October 2023, it was active in seven countries: Nigeria, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, Malawi, and Zambia, and has since expanded to at least 25.
Elon Musk has cited South Africa’s telecommunications ownership rules as a barrier to Starlink’s launch in his home country, despite high consumer demand. Musk, who was born in South Africa described the black empowerment policy as “openly racist.”
Starlink uses thousands of low Earth orbit satellites to provide high-speed internet access to remote locations all over the world and delivers fast broadband perfect for streaming, online gaming, video calls, and more.
About The Author
Keep Up to Date with the Most Important News
