Namibia Rejects Starlink Licence Application, Citing Regulatory Process

Namibia has declined an application from Starlink to operate its satellite internet services within the country, marking another regulatory hurdle for the fast-expanding global provider.

According to a notice published in the government gazette on March 23, the application for both a telecommunications service licence and access to radio spectrum was rejected by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia. Authorities, however, did not provide specific reasons for the decision.

The regulator indicated that the matter is not entirely closed, noting that it could revisit the decision either independently or in response to a formal petition filed by an affected party within a 90-day window. A spokesperson for the agency has also suggested that a more detailed statement may be released.

Starlink, operated by SpaceX, is part of a growing push to expand high-speed satellite internet access across underserved regions, including parts of Africa. The company is owned by tech entrepreneur Elon Musk.

Despite its expansion into several African markets, the company has encountered regulatory resistance in some countries, often tied to licensing requirements and concerns from local telecom operators.

In Namibia, tensions over Starlink’s operations are not new. Back in November 2024, the regulator issued a cease-and-desist order against the company, accusing it of operating without the necessary licence. Authorities also warned residents against purchasing Starlink equipment and confirmed that some illegally imported terminals had been seized.

At the time, Starlink did not publicly respond to the allegations, and it has yet to issue an official statement regarding the latest rejection.

The development highlights the complex regulatory landscape facing satellite internet providers in Africa, where governments are balancing the need for improved connectivity with strict compliance requirements and the protection of local telecom industries.

As demand for reliable internet access continues to grow across the continent, industry watchers say decisions like this could shape how quickly innovative technologies like satellite broadband gain wider acceptance in emerging markets.