Theofelus: Starlink's ownership exemption bid under review

Information and communication technology (ICT) minister Emma Theofelus says satellite internet provider Starlink’s bid to retain majority ownership in its Namibian operations could have far-reaching implications for the local telecommunications sector – including the risk of job losses.Theofelus told parliament last week that the American company’s application to hold 51% ownership, rather than the 49% cap set by Namibia’s Communications Act, is still under review.“There are many important factors to consider, as this would be the first company of its kind to seek 100% foreign ownership in the country – particularly in the field of telecommunications, and specifically low-earth orbit satellite technology,” she said.Impact on jobs, safety, coverageTheofelus warned that Starlink’s proposed ownership structure could disrupt the local industry in multiple ways.“This development has the potential to affect employment, either positively or negatively. It could impact national safety and security, and influence our goal of achieving full telecommunications coverage for all Namibians, especially considering our vast geography and sparsely populated rural areas,” she noted.She said the ICT ministry is proceeding cautiously in reviewing the exemption request.“Because the application is still under review, I wish to refrain from responding to the specific questions posed by [Popular Democratic Movement leader] McHenry Venaani, to avoid influencing the decision of the minister or the government in my current capacity,” Theofelus said.CRAN awaits ministry directiveEarlier this year, Namibian Sun reported that the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) had paused its review of Starlink’s application, pending a decision from the line ministry regarding the ownership exemption.CRAN CEO Emilia Nghikembua confirmed this at a recent market update, saying the application – submitted in June 2024 – cannot proceed until the ownership issue is resolved.“We cannot proceed with the full application until the ownership exemption is finalised,” she said. “Once minister Emma Theofelus makes her decision, we will evaluate the application, as local ownership is a key criterion.”Cease-and-desist orderIn November 2024, CRAN issued a cease-and-desist order to Starlink, a subsidiary of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, for operating in Namibia without the necessary telecommunications licence.“Following an investigation, CRAN established that Starlink was operating a network within Namibia without the required licence,” the regulator said in a statement.“On 26 November 2024, the Authority issued a cease-and-desist order, instructing the company to immediately cease all operations in Namibia.”At the time, SpaceX did not respond to requests for comment.CRAN also advised the public not to purchase Starlink terminal equipment or subscribe to its services, warning that such activities are illegal in Namibia.Starlink currently operates in several African countries but has faced regulatory resistance – especially from states with dominant public telecom entities.

Theofelus: Starlink's ownership exemption bid under review

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-01

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Theofelus: Starlink's ownership exemption bid under review

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-01

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