Hundreds of Namibians Challenge Regulatory Rejection of Starlink Licence
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has received 624 applications from the public requesting a review of its decision to deny an operating licence to Starlink Internet Services Namibia (Pty) Ltd. CRAN executive for communication and consumer relations, Mufaro Nesongano, confirmed the submissions on Monday. The high volume of applications highlights the massive local interest in the satellite internet service.
Legal grounds for the regulatory rejection
The regulatory body rejected Starlink’s application in March 2026. The company had applied for a class comprehensive telecommunications service licence and a radio frequency spectrum licence. Nesongano noted that none of the 624 reconsideration petitions came from Starlink or its parent firm, SpaceX. Instead, all entries were submitted by local citizens and interested parties who are dissatisfied with the ruling.
The rejection followed a review of the application against six legal criteria. CRAN Board Chairperson Tulimevava Mufeti stated that while Starlink satisfied competition, technical, and financial requirements, it failed on ownership, national security, and compliance. The company, more specifically, did not comply with Section 46 of the Communications Act, which requires that licence holders must have at least 51% Namibian ownership. Starlink did not secure any exemption from this requirement from Namibia’s Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus.
Overwhelming public backing vs regulatory non-compliance
The regulatory body has also cited past compliance issues, noting that Starlink has provided its services in the country without a licence, leading to the suspension of operations in November 2024. Despite these legal friction points, the service enjoys widespread local popularity. During a public consultation phase in December 2025, over 98% of public comments supported Starlink’s entry into the local market. Nesongano stated that the authority will process all the applications through established legal procedures under the Communications Act of 2009 to ensure fairness to all stakeholders.