… The Windhoek City Council decided at the end of October 2017 to apply to Cran for a class network facilities licence in terms of the Communications Act. …
… However, 622 of the requests were dismissed because they failed to meet the procedural and jurisdictional requirements set out in the Communications Act. …
… Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, minister of information and communication technology Emma Theofelus said the decision, published on 23 March, followed a formal assessment under the Communications Act. …
… The minister added that the implementation of infrastructure under the Universal Service Fund marks the realisation of a long-awaited initiative provided for under the Communications Act. …
… The Communications Act prohibits the misuse oftelecommunications services to send threatening or offensive messages,providing a legal basis to prosecute cyberbullies. …
The Supreme Court has ruled that the City of Windhoek does not have the power to provide telecommunication services to its residents, finding that the Local Authorities Act does not grant local authorities in Namibia such powers. The judgment upheld the High Court's 2023 decision to set aside the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia's award of a comprehensive telecommunications licence to the city.
Why it matters
Supreme Court judgment limiting Windhoek's municipal powers has constitutional implications for local government service delivery.
The Supreme Court has ruled that the City of Windhoek does not have the power to provide telecommunication services to its residents, finding that the Local Authorities Act does not grant local authorities in Namibia such powers. The judgment upheld the High Court's 2023 decision to set aside the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia's award of a comprehensive telecommunications licence to the city.
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia has dismissed all applications seeking reconsideration of its decision to reject Starlink Internet Services Namibia's licence applications, saying the company failed to comply with communications laws. Of 624 public requests for reconsideration, 622 were dismissed for failing procedural requirements, while the two that met the threshold presented no new evidence or material error.
Digital literacy—the ability to effectively use digital devices and online platforms—is increasingly recognised in Namibia as essential for economic participation and social development. As connectivity expands and more citizens gain access to digital tools, small businesses, entrepreneurs, and young Namibians are using social media, mobile banking, and digital platforms to improve livelihoods, though responsible use and cybersecurity awareness remain critical.
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia rejected Starlink's application for an operating licence after the company failed three of six required criteria, including local ownership requirements (51% local stake), regulatory compliance, and legal standards. Cran found that Starlink is entirely foreign-owned, had previously operated without a valid licence, and ignored compliance concerns raised by the authority.
The government rejected Starlink's application to operate in Namibia, with the Communications Regulatory Authority noting the company failed to meet the 51% local ownership requirement and raised concerns over national security and data sovereignty. Though acknowledging Starlink's potential to improve connectivity in remote areas, authorities said compliance with Namibian law remains non-negotiable.
Namibia's Information and Communication Technology Minister Emma Theofelus launched a network tower at Ehomba resettlement in Kunene Region under the Universal Service Fund programme, extending 4G broadband and voice services to the remote community and public institutions including a local school. The government initiative, administered by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia, aims to expand telecommunications coverage to underserved and unserved areas.