Starlink's satellite internet services may soon be grounded in Namibia after the country's telecoms regulator, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), rejected the company's licence application. The rejection is significant as Starlink operates in 26 African countries and has been pushing for expansion in the region. The regulator cited three non-compliance issues with Starlink's application, including a demand for 51% ownership stake in the local subsidiary.
Starlink has responded to the licence denial, stating that the rejection does not reflect the full picture and that the company has faced regulatory and operational challenges in Namibia. The company launched a public campaign, urging Namibians to push for a review of what it described as a "misleading" call. Starlink claims that it received 98.6% public support during the consultation process.
However, the precedents do not favour Starlink's case. In South Africa, authorities demanded local ownership, and Starlink's entry has stalled. In Lesotho, a similar push for local equity ended with the government backing down in 2025 under pressure linked to a US trade deal and thousands of jobs at stake.
Starlink's statement on the matter highlights its commitment to establishing a local entity, but also notes that it has global shareholding restrictions and cannot accept local ownership. This inconsistency raises questions about the company's true intentions.
The regulatory framework in Namibia allows the regulator to revisit its decision within 90 days, either on its own accord or if an affected party pushes for it through an appeal. Starlink is encouraging Namibians to request an appeal directly from the regulator.
When Starlink says it wants to establish a local entity, but cannot accept local ownership, that means it's willing to play by the rules if it suits its interests, but will lobby for exemptions when it doesn't. This tactic raises concerns about the company's commitment to fair play in Namibia's regulatory environment. The implications are far-reaching, as it sets a precedent for other foreign operators looking to enter the African market.
