By Katharina Moser, Windhoek
Starlink has sharply criticized the decision by the Namibian Communications Regulatory Authority (CRAN) to reject the company’s application for a frequency and telecommunications license. It called on the public to file a direct complaint with CRAN.
Starlink claimed that “98.6 percent” of the Namibian public supported its application. Furthermore, in a letter posted on its website dated March 23, the company claimed that CRAN’s decision was unjustified.
CRAN had justified its decision to reject Starlink services in Namibia by citing Starlink’s failure to comply with regulations. “We consider this characterization to be misleading,” Starlink now countered. “Over the past three years, Starlink has made it clear that it is committed to establishing a local company, meeting national security requirements, and paying all applicable taxes and fees—in full accordance with our business practices in 164 markets worldwide,” the company stated on its website.
The main point of contention concerns the requirements for local ownership. Starlink is subject to global restrictions regarding ownership structures and cannot accept local ownership. “While Namibia’s legal framework promotes local ownership, it allows for exceptions at the minister’s discretion. In this case, no exception was granted,” Starlink stated.
Despite 98.6% public approval during the consultation process, the application was not approved, Starlink further criticized. “The decision cites public interest concerns that appear to be based on a misunderstanding of how Starlink complies with local laws, protects data sovereignty, and supports national security in all markets where we operate.”
Starlink further claimed that the launch of its services in Namibia could contribute to the Namibian economy, reduce rural poverty, and create jobs. Contrary to claims, Starlink would be subject to Namibian laws in Namibia. Therefore, security concerns regarding data protection are also unjustified, Starlink claimed.
Namibia’s decision to reject Starlink had drawn global attention. Starlink currently operates in 27 African countries.
Previously, the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, and the Chairperson of the Board of the regulatory authority CRAN, Prof. Tulimevava Kaunapawa Mufeti, had announced that the applicant for a frequency and telecommunications network license, Starlink Namibia Internet Services (Pty) Ltd, met only half of the requirements set by CRAN.
Starlink Namibia is a subsidiary of the U.S.-based Starlink Services, LLC, which is wholly owned by the U.S. space company SpaceX. The company operates a satellite network that has been providing internet access in the U.S. since 2020 and globally since 2023.
Starlink has repeatedly violated laws in Namibia by operating in the country without a valid service license. CRAN also noted that foreign ownership could impair Namibia’s ability to exercise jurisdiction over the company.
