Starlink Pushes Back Against Namibia’s Licence Rejection
Starlink has pushed back after Namibia rejected its licence application. It called the regulator’s claim of non-compliance “misleading” and urged Namibians to file a formal appeal. In a statement on its website, the satellite internet provider said it has spent three years showing its commitment. The company plans to set up a local entity, meet
Starlink Pushes Back Against Namibia’s Licence Rejection
Starlink has pushed back after Namibia rejected its licence application. It called the regulator’s claim of non-compliance “misleading” and urged Namibians to file a formal appeal. In a statement on its website, the satellite internet provider said it has spent three years showing its commitment. The company plans to set up a local entity, meet national security requirements, and pay all applicable taxes and fees. This is how it operates in 164 markets worldwide. Starlink added that it has never shut off internet access unless legally required.
Ownership and Public Interest Dispute
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) declined Starlink’s applications on 23 March. The applications were for a telecommunications service licence and radio spectrum access. CRAN said Starlink failed to meet ownership and compliance criteria. Starlink said the core issue is Namibia’s 51% local ownership rule. The country’s rules allow the minister to grant exemptions, but none was given. Starlink has a global policy against diluting local equity. That same stance has blocked its entry into South Africa, where ICASA requires 30% equity for historically disadvantaged South Africans.
Starlink also criticised CRAN’s public-interest finding. It said the finding “appears to reflect a misunderstanding” of how Starlink complies with local laws, protects data sovereignty, and supports national security. The company said 98.6% of public submissions during CRAN’s consultation backed its application. It did not say how many submissions were received or how the consultation was structured.
Public Appeal and Regional track Record
Starlink has called on Namibians to request an appeal directly from CRAN. This mirrors its strategy in South Africa. There, it launched a dedicated website, pledged R500 million to connect rural schools, and encouraged citizens to write to regulator ICASA.
Starlink also pointed to its work elsewhere in Southern Africa. It has connected more than 600 health facilities in Zambia and more than 300 schools in Mozambique. In Botswana, it provided 150 connectivity kits at reduced prices for the country’s SmartBots digital transformation programme.
