Satellite internet provider Starlink, backed by billionaire Elon Musk, says it will appeal a decision by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) to reject its application to operate in Namibia.
The company described the decision as “disappointing”, particularly for customers who had already placed deposits and participated in public consultations.
CRAN announced the rejection in an official notice on 23 March, declining Starlink’s application for both a telecommunications service licence and access to radio spectrum.
The regulator later indicated that the decision was based on the company’s failure to meet local ownership, regulatory compliance and legal requirements.
Namibian law requires telecommunications providers to have at least 51% local ownership, a condition Starlink did not meet and for which it did not seek exemption.
Starlink says it will pursue an appeal under Namibia’s regulatory framework, which allows for reconsideration within 90 days and accommodates further public input.
“Hope is not lost,” the company said, urging stakeholders to engage the process if they disagree with the decision.
The firm also expressed willingness to continue engagement with authorities, stating that its services could deliver meaningful benefits, particularly in improving internet access.
Operated by SpaceX, Starlink has expanded rapidly across Africa since launching in Nigeria in 2023, entering markets such as Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, Malawi and Zambia.
However, its growth has faced regulatory challenges in several countries, including South Africa, Zimbabwe and Cameroon, largely linked to local ownership requirements and market competition concerns.
The outcome of the appeal is expected to test how regulators balance demand for improved connectivity with national laws on local participation and control in strategic sectors.
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