Namibia Receives Overwhelming Public Support for Starlink Deployment

The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has received overwhelming public support for Starlink’s application to operate in the country, as it continues to assess the satellite internet provider’s licensing request.

CRAN received 1,180 written submissions by Friday, 12 December 2025, with 1,164 expressing support for the application and only 16 opposing it. The regulator noted that both supportive and opposing submissions raised substantive issues that Starlink will need to address as part of the licensing process.

According to CRAN, the feedback reflects wide public interest in Starlink’s potential impact on Namibia’s telecommunications sector and the future of internet connectivity in the country.

Next Steps in the Evaluation Process

CRAN is currently consolidating all received comments and, once completed, will share the compiled feedback with Starlink. The company will then have 14 days to respond directly to public concerns and viewpoints.

“Once completed, the Authority will share the compiled feedback with Starlink, providing an opportunity for the company to respond directly to the public concerns and viewpoints within a period of 14 days after receiving the comments,” said Mufaro Nesongano, the Executive for Communication and Consumer Relations at CRAN.

Decision Expected by Q1 2026

The regulator aims to announce its decision regarding the licence application by the end of the first quarter of 2026, ensuring a thorough review and comprehensive public engagement throughout the process.

The submissions illustrate active public engagement and diverse perspectives on Starlink’s entry into Namibia’s telecommunications sector, highlighting the significant interest in expanding internet connectivity options across the country.