The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has issued a firm cease-and-desist order to Elon Musk’s satellite internet service provider, Starlink, citing unlicensed operations within the country. This development adds Namibia to the list of African nations where Starlink faces regulatory hurdles despite its growing presence across the continent.
Regulatory Compliance Under Scrutiny
According to CRAN, Starlink, a division of SpaceX, has been operating a telecommunications network in Namibia without obtaining the necessary licensing. Although Starlink has applied for a telecommunications service license, the regulator has yet to approve it, stating that the application is still under review. The cease-and-desist order was formally issued on November 26, 2024.
“Following an investigation, CRAN has established that Starlink is operating a network within Namibia without the required telecommunications license,” the authority noted in its statement. As part of its enforcement measures, CRAN has confiscated unauthorized Starlink terminals from consumers and initiated criminal cases with the Namibian police.
Public Advisory and Consumer Impact
In addition to halting Starlink’s operations, CRAN has advised Namibian citizens against purchasing or subscribing to Starlink’s services. Any such activities are considered illegal until the company complies with local licensing requirements. This regulatory stance aims to ensure that all service providers adhere to Namibia’s telecommunications laws and avoid creating unfair competition within the market.
Broader Challenges Across Africa
Namibia is not the first African country to challenge Starlink’s operations. Earlier in 2024, Cameroon also took a firm stance against the satellite provider, ordering the seizure of Starlink equipment at ports due to licensing violations. These incidents reflect a growing trend among African regulators to assert control over emerging satellite internet providers, especially in regions dominated by state-owned telecom monopolies.
Despite these challenges, Starlink has successfully entered several African markets including Nigeria, Botswana amongst others, offering high-speed internet to underserved regions. Its services have been lauded for addressing connectivity gaps in remote areas but have also drawn scrutiny for bypassing traditional telecom frameworks.
