Namibia rejects Starlink license after dismissing 624 appeals

Namibia has reaffirmed its decision to deny Elon Musk’s Starlink a license to operate in the country after dismissing hundreds of requests seeking a review of the ruling. 

The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) said it received 624 applications for reconsideration following its earlier decision to block the satellite internet provider from entering the market. 

According to the regulator, only two requests met the legal requirements for review, but neither provided enough grounds to overturn the decision. 

Starlink Internet Services Namibia also failed in its attempt to challenge the ruling because its appeal was filed after the deadline had passed. A petition supported by about 5,000 members of the public was rejected for the same reason. 

The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Local ownership rules remain a hurdle 

CRAN first rejected Starlink’s application in March, saying the company did not meet Namibia’s local ownership requirements. 

Under Namibian law, telecommunications operators cannot be controlled by foreign individuals or companies beyond a 49 percent stake unless they receive an exemption from the communications minister. 

The regulator said Low Earth Orbit satellite technology could help improve internet access across the country, but stressed that all operators must comply with existing laws.

Rising demand for satellite internet in Africa 

Demand for Starlink services has grown rapidly across sub-Saharan Africa as consumers and businesses seek faster and more reliable broadband connections. 

In many rural areas, traditional telecom operators have struggled to provide high-speed internet, leading some users to import and activate Starlink terminals through unofficial channels. 

Several countries, including Zimbabwe, Lesotho and the Democratic Republic of Congo, have relaxed ownership requirements to attract Starlink and expand digital connectivity.

South Africa still weighing policy changes 

South Africa, where Musk was born, is considering alternatives to its Black ownership requirements for telecommunications companies. 

Communications Minister Solly Malatsi has proposed allowing equity-equivalent investment programs, which would let companies support Black-owned businesses, schools and services without transferring equity. 

The proposal has yet to be adopted, leaving the current rules unchanged.