Reaffirming its position, Starlink maintained that it has established a local entity in Namibia and remains committed to compliance, while insisting that its services are designed to complement existing operators and expand connectivity in underserved regions.
Starlink has responded strongly after the Namibian government, through the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), declined its application to operate in the country on March 23, 2026.
Despite what Starlink says was 98.6% public support during the consultation process, the application was ultimately rejected, with regulators maintaining that the decision was based on licensing requirements, particularly local ownership conditions. CRAN’s regulatory framework still allows for continued public input and possible appeal following the ruling.
In its response, Starlink disputed the characterization of “non-compliance,” arguing that it has consistently committed over the past three years to establishing a local entity, complying with national security requirements, and paying all applicable taxes and fees across the 164 markets where it operates globally.
The company also stated that the key issue centres on Namibia’s local ownership rules, which Starlink says it cannot meet due to global shareholding restrictions. While Namibia allows ministerial discretion for exemptions, no such exemption was granted in this case.
Starlink further questioned the public interest justification cited in the decision, arguing that it complies with data protection, national security, and regulatory standards in all operating markets, and that the ruling reflects a misunderstanding of its operational model.
The company highlighted Namibia’s significant digital divide, noting that more than 30% of the population remains offline and that rural areas suffer from poor broadband access. It argued that improved connectivity could boost education, healthcare access, business growth, and economic development.
Starlink also referenced its impact across Africa, including deployments in countries such as Zambia, Mozambique, and Botswana, where it says its satellite network has supported healthcare systems, school connectivity, and digital transformation initiatives.
Reaffirming its position, Starlink maintained that it has established a local entity in Namibia and remains committed to compliance, while insisting that its services are designed to complement existing operators and expand connectivity in underserved regions.
