The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has issued a cease-and-desist order to Elon Musk’s Starlink for operating in the country without a license. The country’s telecoms regulatory body also warned that individuals and organizations found using or distributing the service illegally will face strict legal measures.
According to a public statement released by CRAN on Wednesday, it mandated the Space-X satellite internet provider to halt its services in Namibia.
“Following an investigation, CRAN has established that Starlink is operating a network within Namibia without the required telecommunications license. On 26 November 2024, the Authority issued a cease-and-desist order to Starlink, instructing the company to immediately cease all operations in Namibia,” the statement reads.
The regulatory body also ordered the confiscation of all Starlink terminal equipment across the country. It advised Namibians to avoid importing or using Starlink equipment until the licensing process and compliance with local laws are guaranteed.
“The public is hereby advised not to purchase Starlink terminal equipment or subscribe to its services, as such activities are illegal under Namibian law,” the regulator said.
CRAN disclosed its commitment to ensure that all telecommunications services in Namibia operate within the established legal framework. It added that criminal cases have been filed with the Namibian Police against any lawbreaker.
CEO of CRAN, Emilia Nghikembua further warned that legal action would be taken against anyone contravening the regulation as enshrined in the Communications Act (№8 of 2009). “Until such time that a license is granted, the importation of Starlink terminal equipment and the use of its services violate Sections 37(1) and 38(2)(a) of the Act. These actions constitute a regulatory offence under Section 114(1),” she said.
Meanwhile, Nghikembua pointed out that Starlink has made an application for a telecommunications service license in Namibia. However, the application is under review.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX entry into Namibia has been met with significant interest due to its promise of high-speed internet through a network of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. However, the absence of regulatory approval has stalled its ability to offer services in the country legally.
As of the time of this report, SpaceX has yet to issue any statement regarding this development.
Starlink regulatory approval woes in Africa
Starlink, the satellite unit of SpaceX, operates in several African countries but has faced regulatory challenges in others and resistance from state telecom monopolies.
Earlier this year, the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) ordered the prohibition of the importation, use, and sale of Starlink kits or services. The prohibition also came with a warning of legal repercussions for those who defied the ban.
On February 2, 2024, BOCRA rejected Starlink’s application to operate in Botswana, citing the company’s failure to meet all requirements. In an email statement, BOCRA emphasized that Starlink has not authorized any entity to import or resell its Internet kits in Botswana. Offenders will be committing an offence, although the specific charges remain undisclosed.
In August, the company launched its services in Botswana marking the 11th African nation to enjoy its high-speed connectivity.
In April, the government of Zimbabwe ordered the company to shut down its services in the country over its failure to obtain regulatory approval from the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ). The regulator would eventually give the company approval to operate in the country.
Also in the same period, Cameroon seized Starlink kits at its borders because the Internet service provider is not yet licensed in the country. Starlink had already scheduled a discontinuation of service in regions where it is not yet licensed to operate, including Cameroon, on April 30.
For South Africa, it stands as one of the few countries in the world that doesn’t have an estimated in-service date. It was reported in April that Starlink is not going to work in South Africa because the company didn’t want to share ownership with locals as per the government’s requirements.
Starlink refused to comply with the country’s BEE (Black Economic Empowerment) requirements to gift 30% ownership to local historically disadvantaged people. Also, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) and the Minister of Communications have failed to issue new communications licenses in about 13 years.
Icasa says it has not received any application for a license from Starlink, nor has the company approached the Department of Communication and Digital Technologies (DCDT), according to a report.
The Space-X regulatory challenge highlights the hurdles faced by global satellite internet providers in navigating country-specific regulatory landscapes. Starlink’s technology holds the potential to address connectivity gaps in rural and underserved areas. However, compliance with local licensing requirements poses a stumbling block.
Meanwhile, the satellite internet provider continues to expand its coverage in Africa with its latest launch in Chad. Other countries in the region with published forecast go-live dates include Mauritius (sometime in 2025), Angola (fourth quarter of 2024), Tanzania (also Q4 2024), the Democratic Republic of Congo (2025), Comoros (2025) and the Seychelles (2025).
Also Read: Starlink launches in West African country, Chad.
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