Starlink says CRAN licence denial unjustified

Starlink has sharply criticised the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia's (CRAN) decision to reject the company’s application for a frequency and telecommunications licence.

The authority officially declined Starlink's application to operate in Namibia on 23 March.

CRAN rejected both the class comprehensive telecommunications service licence and the spectrum licence, citing failure to meet the required 51% local ownership threshold.

The regulator also raised compliance concerns, among them that Starlink had previously operated in the country without a licence.

CRAN noted that foreign ownership could impair Namibia’s ability to exercise jurisdiction and oversight over the company.

Information and communication technology minister Emma Theofelus and CRAN board chairperson Tulimevava Kaunapawa Mufeti announced that the applicant, Starlink Namibia Internet Services (Pty) Ltd, had met only half of CRAN’s requirements.

Public support

In a response letter posted on its website on 23 March, Starlink director for market access Ben MacWilliams said the level of public support reflects a clear need for improved connectivity.

“The overwhelming public support for Starlink’s application clearly demonstrates Namibians’ urgent demand for innovative, high-speed internet to bridge the digital divide, empower rural communities and fuel economic growth," MacWilliams stated.

“With over 98% of public comments in support of Starlink’s application, there is clear public interest from a broad section of Namibians for CRAN to rapidly approve the application, enabling Starlink to deliver immediate, life-changing benefits in alignment with Namibia’s digital transformation priorities,” he added.

MacWilliams further said they consider CRAN's explanations for its decision misleading.

The letter claimed that over the past three years, Starlink made it clear that it was committed to establishing a local company, meeting national security requirements, and paying all applicable taxes and fees, in full accordance with its business practices in 164 markets worldwide.

“While Namibia’s legal framework promotes local ownership, it allows for exceptions at the minister’s discretion. In this case, no exception was granted," the letter read.

“The decision cites public interest concerns that appear to be based on a misunderstanding of how Starlink complies with local laws, protects data sovereignty, and supports national security in all markets where we operate,” Starlink added.

Additionally, MacWilliams said Starlink would contribute to the Namibian economy, reduce rural poverty and create jobs, and that, contrary to claims, it would be subject to Namibian laws.

Alternative models

Although Starlink refused to comply with the 51% local shareholding requirement, the US demands that foreign telecommunications companies set aside 25% for local ownership.

Starlink currently operates in 27 African countries, including Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Starlink’s application for a licence in South Africa has not been rejected but remains stalled due to regulatory non-compliance, particularly its failure to meet the 30% ownership requirement for historically disadvantaged South Africans set by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa.

The company has instead proposed alternative models such as equity-equivalent investment programmes, which have not been fully accepted within current licensing frameworks, resulting in a regulatory impasse rather than an outright refusal, with authorities maintaining that market access is open to any operator that complies with local laws.

Starlink Namibia is a subsidiary of the US-based Starlink Services, LLC, which is wholly owned by the US space company SpaceX.

The company operates a satellite network that has provided internet access in the US since 2020 and globally since 2023.