Starlink rallies public support in Namibia for regulatory shift to make way for launch

SpaceX satellite company Starlink has urged Namibians to participate in the public comments for its license approval and proposed amendment to the country’s regulations. This comes amid its preparation for a launch in Namibia following its shutdown last November.

According to a Bloomberg report on Tuesday, Starlink is seeking public support for proposed amendments to the country’s regulations.

The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN)  is considering amending the local law that requires domestic telecoms companies to have 51% ownership. The relaxation of the law will boost Starlink’s launch in the country, paving the way for its operations in Namibia.

In addition, the regulator had published Starlink’s license applications in the government’s Official Gazette on Nov. 28 and invited public comments for two weeks. The process signals that the regulator has commenced Starlink’s licensing process and that it’s nearing official launch.

Starlink’s operation in Namibia is a familiar story. In November, the CRAN issued a cease-and-desist order to the Elon Musk-owned company for operating in the country without a license.  It noted that Starlink launched operations without getting regulatory approval. 

In addition to the order, the regulatory body also ordered the confiscation of all Starlink terminal equipment nationwide. It advised Namibians to avoid importing or using the satellite company’s equipment until the licensing process and compliance with local laws are guaranteed.

Meanwhile, Nghikembua pointed out that Elon Musk’s company has applied for a telecommunications service license in Namibia. However, the application has been under review since last year.

The publication of its application and consideration for local law renewals signals that the satellite company is nearing its long-awaited launch in the Southern African country. 

Also Read: President Tinubu’s aide claims terrorists use Starlink to evade Nigerian intelligence agencies.

What Starlink holds for Namibians 

Starlink’s entry into Namibia has generated significant interest due to its promise of high-speed internet through a network of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.

While 91% of Namibians have access to 2G, 3G or 4G networks, the coverage is largely concentrated in populated areas. The remaining 9% remain outside mobile service zones due to the country’s size and sparse settlement patterns.

Another boost for the company is the expectations. CRAN Director General Emilia Nghikembua has said Namibia is looking at satellite-based services to close gaps in rural connectivity. Speaking in June, she noted that large farming regions and isolated lodges remain difficult to serve.

“Some areas stretch across more than a million hectares. Terrestrial networks simply cannot reach all of them,” she said. 

The SpaceX company will face competition in a telecoms market already controlled by MTC and Telecom Namibia. Paratus Namibia, previously centred on fixed-line services, launched its own 4G mobile network in September 2025.