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Namibia Rejects Starlink Licence Over Ownership Laws

Namibia has rejected an application by Elon Musk-owned Starlink for a licence to provide satellite internet services. The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia declined the bid, citing the lack of local ownership.

The national laws require that at least 51% shares in any telecommunications company must be owned by citizens or local entities. Starlink operates in about 25 African countries but has faced regulatory challenges in others, including South Africa, where ownership rules have also blocked its entry.

The regulator issued an order against Starlink in 2024, accusing it of operating without a license and instructing it to cease all operations in Namibia immediately. The regulator said it could reconsider the decision within 90 days.

Official SpaceX Photos - Starlink Mission / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

A batch of 60 Starlink test satellites stacked atop a Falcon 9 rocket, close to be put in orbit.

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