Namibia Minute.
Thursday, 23 July 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Thursday, 23 July 2026
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Namibian press · Organization

Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia

Also known as: Cran · Communication Regulatory Authority of Namibia

Namibia's communications regulator that oversees licensing, spectrum allocation, and cybersecurity incident response; recently upheld rejection of Starlink licence applications.

2022-03-112026-07-23
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What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

  1. February 2026

  2. New Era

    Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia launched second telecommunications tower in Ehomba, Kunene region

    Source

    “The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) on Friday launched the second telecommunications tower in Ehomba, Kunene region, under the Universal Service Fund (USF) initiative.”

    CRAN expands digital inclusion with tower launch

  3. Informanté

    Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) administers the Universal Service Fund (USF) to expand connectivity in remote areas

    Source

    “The USF is a government flagship initiative administered by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) to expand connectivity in remote areas, with a focus on communities that have historically lacked access to telecommunications infrastructure.”

    USF tower launched in Ehomba to boost connectivity
  4. January 2026

  5. The Namibian

    Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) issued spectrum licences for OneWeb LEO satellite services in January

    Source

    “In January, Cran issued spectrum licences for OneWeb LEO satellite services to Echo Telecommunications, Oblixx Communications Networks, Rocketnet Internet Namibia, and Blue Telecommunications to expand connectivity in remote and rural areas.”

    Cran pushes 5G, LEO satellite licences as Namibia phases out 2G and 3G

  6. New Era

    Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) enforced mandatory SIM registration exercise resulting in deregistration of unregistered SIM cards

    Source

    “The sharp decline in 2024 was largely driven by the mandatory SIM registration exercise enforced by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), which resulted in the deregistration of unregistered SIM cards.”

    Telecom avails millions for network overhaul …positioning Namibia for a more competitive digital future

  7. New Era

    Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia expects official decision to be announced by end of March this year

    Source

    “the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) expects the official decision to be announced by the end of March this year.”

    Starlink decision expected in March

  8. New Era

    Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia has renewed CEO Emilia Nghikembua's contract for second term effective 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2030

    Source

    “The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has renewed the contract of its chief executive officer (CEO), Emilia Nghikembua, for a second term of office, effective from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2030.”

    CRAN renews CEO’s contract
  9. December 2025

  10. The Namibian

    Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) published Starlink's telecommunications licence application for public comment

    Source

    “The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) recently published Starlink's telecommunications licence application for public comment in Government Gazette No 8795, a procedural milestone that deserves recognition rather than alarm.”

    Starlink’s Namibian Chapter: Progress, Not Panic
  11. November 2025

  12. The Namibian

    Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia operates Universal Service Fund

    Source

    “The successful deployment of this tower is testament to teamwork between the Ministry of ICT, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia through the Universal Service Fund, Mobile Telecommunications Limited, the Government of the Republic of Namibia, and most importantly, the community members of Epinga.”

    Minister Theofelus Launches Universal Service Fund Tower in Epinga
  13. July 2025

  14. The Namibian

    Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia has approved at least two licensees in ICT sector without meeting 51% local ownership threshold

    Source

    “The Communications Regulatory Authority (Cran) of Namibia has already approved at least two licensees in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector who do not meet the 51% local ownership threshold, with special licence conditions attached – without much public controversy.”

    Starlink promises digital lifeline for Namibia
  15. June 2025

  16. The Namibian

    Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) requires approval from individuals importing spare phones to Namibia

    Source

    “Before the courier could ship the phone, I was told I needed approval from the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) to verify that my spare iPhone (the exact same make and model as the one I donated to the sticky finger brigade) was authorised for use in Namibia.”

    Red Tape Rhapsody: When Unimaginative Bureaucracy Tackles Imagined Threats
Society

Namibia recorded 513,921 cyber vulnerabilities in Q2 2024

The News

Namibia recorded more than half a million cyber vulnerabilities between April and June, representing a 39.8% increase from the previous quarter, according to the Namibia Cyber Security Incident Response Team. The Communication Regulatory Authority chief executive urged organisations to tighten cybersecurity measures, implement national incident management guidelines, and report incidents early.

14 hours ago · The Namibian →

Yesterday

  1. Namibia recorded 513,921 cyber vulnerabilities in Q2 2024

    Namibia recorded more than half a million cyber vulnerabilities between April and June, representing a 39.8% increase from the previous quarter, according to the Namibia Cyber Security Incident Response Team. The Communication Regulatory Authority chief executive urged organisations to tighten cybersecurity measures, implement national incident management guidelines, and report incidents early.

    14 hours ago · The Namibian →

Monday 13 July

  1. Namibian authorities warn public against rising vishing scams

    Despite mandatory SIM registration, Namibians face an increase in vishing (voice phishing) scams, in which scammers use phone calls to manipulate individuals into disclosing sensitive information or transferring money. Regulatory authorities including Cran, MTC, and the Bank of Namibia stress that while SIM registration improves accountability, it cannot fully address advanced social engineering tactics.

    13 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 2 July

  1. NAM-CSIRT reports significant decline in cyber threats, vulnerabilities

    Namibia's cyber security incident response team reported that detected cyber vulnerabilities declined by 31.3% and reported cyber threat events decreased by 47.3% during the first quarter of 2026, though exposed remote management services and legacy network protocols remain significant risks.

    2 July 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 1 July

  1. MTC and Cran to investigate customer data depletion complaints

    Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) has acknowledged customer concerns over rapid data depletion and billing issues, and confirmed it is working with the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) to address the matter. MTC spokesperson Tim Ekandjo noted the issue is not unique to Namibia but affects telecommunications companies across the continent.

    1 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 30 June

  1. MTC investigated over rapid data depletion complaints

    Mobile Telecommunications Limited customers have filed complaints with the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) over alleged rapid data depletion and billing issues. Cran and MTC have agreed to conduct a joint technical testing and verification exercise involving affected consumers to examine their data depletion claims using technical information and charging records.

    30 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. CRAN engages MTC over consumer data depletion complaints

    The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia has engaged Mobile Telecommunications Limited over consumer concerns about data disappearing faster than expected and billing transparency issues. CRAN and MTC have agreed to launch a technical testing and verification initiative involving affected consumers, with findings to guide interventions and possible relief.

    30 June 2026 · Informanté →

Monday 29 June

  1. Starlink can pursue High Court review despite late filing

    Lawyer Richard Metcalfe says Starlink can challenge Cran's rejection of its licence application in the High Court through review proceedings and condonation, even though its reconsideration request was dismissed for being filed late. Cran dismissed the application after Starlink missed the 30-day deadline, having submitted it on 8 June, 55 days after the licence rejection on 23 March.

    29 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibia faces skills gap in oil and gas digitisation

    Namibia's oil and gas sector can meet only about 45% of its required technical skills, with shortages in data science, engineering, cybersecurity, and digital systems management. The country must invest in education, vocational training, and digital infrastructure to avoid over-reliance on foreign expertise and enable effective digital transformation.

    29 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 25 June

  1. Windhoek may seek legal changes for fibre commercialisation project

    The City of Windhoek says it may seek legislative amendments to the Local Authorities Act after the Supreme Court ruled the municipality lacks legal authority to provide telecommunications services. The city views fibre commercialisation as essential to its smart city ambitions.

    25 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 24 June

  1. Mobile internet usage rises 6%, driven by social media

    Mobile internet usage increased by 6% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the previous quarter, according to CRAN's Quarterly Statistics Bulletin, with social media platforms including TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube driving data consumption, while fixed broadband subscriptions rose 5% and fibre services grew 10%.

    24 June 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 23 June

  1. Cran closes reconsideration on Starlink licence rejection

    Namibia's communications regulator has closed its reconsideration process on Starlink's rejected licence application, directing aggrieved parties to pursue review at the High Court. Cran chief executive Emilia Nghikembua said the authority has exhausted all avenues available to it, noting that Starlink's own reconsideration request was submitted late and did not meet legal requirements.

    23 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. CRAN alerts 13 Namibian organisations to FortiBleed cyber threat

    Namibia's cyber security incident response team has warned 13 local organisations that their systems may have been exposed in FortiBleed, a global cyber attack affecting tens of thousands of Fortinet FortiGate security devices worldwide. The incident exposed administrator usernames, passwords, remote access credentials and security settings, potentially allowing criminals unauthorised network access.

    23 June 2026 · Informanté →

  3. CRAN upholds Starlink licence rejection under Namibian law

    The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has upheld its rejection of Starlink Internet Services Namibia's licence applications, emphasizing that the rule of law applies equally to all, including foreign investors. While acknowledging Starlink's potential to improve connectivity in remote areas, the editorial argues that adherence to national legislation must supersede admiration for technological innovation.

    23 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  4. Telecom operators seek spectrum allocation changes from CRAN

    MTC, Paratus Telecommunications, and Mainmast Electronics have filed applications with the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia seeking changes to their spectrum allocations. The public has fourteen days to submit written comments on the applications outlined in Government Gazette No. 8942.

    23 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  5. CRAN upholds rejection of Starlink's licence applications

    The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia has upheld its decision to reject Starlink Internet Services Namibia's licence applications after reviewing 624 requests for reconsideration, saying the reconsideration process did not provide new evidence or demonstrate any material error in the original decision. CRAN found the application did not meet requirements relating to ownership and control.

    23 June 2026 · Informanté →

  6. CRAN upholds rejection of Starlink licence applications

    The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia dismissed 624 reconsideration requests following its March 2026 rejection of Starlink's licence applications, reaffirming that the company failed to comply with ownership and control requirements under the Communications Act.

    23 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 22 June

  1. Supreme Court finds City of Windhoek lacks telecom service powers

    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.

    22 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. CRAN dismisses all applications to overturn Starlink licence rejection

    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.

    22 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. Global FortiBleed cyber threat exposes 13 Namibian organisations

    A cybersecurity incident called FortiBleed may have exposed administrator credentials and firewall configuration data at 13 Namibian organisations that use Fortinet infrastructure. The Namibia Cyber Security Incident Response Team identified the affected organisations and recommended they reset credentials, add multifactor authentication, and upgrade their Fortinet devices.

    22 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 19 June

  1. Over 5,600 Namibians petition Cran to reconsider Starlink decision

    More than 5,600 people have signed a petition urging the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia to reconsider its decision not to issue spectrum and service licenses to Starlink.

    19 June 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Tuesday 16 June

  1. Telecom Namibia launches transformation programme amid regulatory pressure

    Telecom Namibia has rolled out a strategic transformation and repositioning programme aimed at modernising its operations, improving customer experience and restoring public confidence.

    16 June 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Monday 15 June

  1. CRAN to establish regulatory sandboxes for digital innovation

    The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia is shifting toward functionality-based regulations and establishing regulatory sandboxes—controlled environments where innovators and businesses can test new products under flexible rules. The telecommunications sector contributed 2.5% to GDP in 2024 and recorded 10.7% growth in real value added in 2025, compared to 1.9% in 2024.

    15 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 9 June

  1. CRAN receives 624 Starlink licence reconsideration applications

    The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia has received 624 applications for reconsideration of its decision on Starlink Internet Services Namibia's licence application. The applications were submitted by members of the public and interested stakeholders, not by Starlink itself, and will be processed according to the Communications Act and relevant regulatory procedures.

    9 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. CRAN receives 624 reconsideration requests on Starlink ruling

    The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia has received 624 applications for reconsideration following its decision on Starlink Internet Services Namibia's licence application. The authority said the reconsideration process will follow established legal and regulatory procedures under the Communications Act.

    9 June 2026 · Informanté →

Monday 8 June

  1. Over 600 applications seek Cran review of Starlink licence rejection

    The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) has received 624 applications from the public and interested stakeholders requesting reconsideration of its March decision to reject Starlink's licence application. Cran said it will process the applications through established legal and regulatory procedures under the Communications Act of 2009.

    8 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 28 May

  1. Cran defends fixed regulatory fee rates for broadcasters

    The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia says its proposed regulatory levy increases consider challenges faced by broadcasters. The new system replaces progressive rates with fixed rates: telecommunications companies at 2.25% of annual revenue and broadcasters at 1.2%, designed to ensure fairness across licensees within each sector.

    28 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 26 May

  1. Cran proposes fixed levy that would hurt small radio stations

    The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia has proposed switching from a progressive fee structure to a fixed 1.2% levy on broadcaster revenue, a change that would dramatically increase costs for small radio stations already struggling with the shift to digital platforms.

    26 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Telecom Namibia summoned over nationwide broadband outages

    Telecom Namibia has been summoned by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia following repeated nationwide broadband disruptions affecting businesses, institutions and households. The company attributed the outages to infrastructure-related problems and system faults, and said it will provide a full briefing on technical causes and measures to restore stability.

    26 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 22 May

  1. Legal practitioner Wilhelem Wilhelem appointed CRAN legal advisor

    Namibian legal practitioner and public sector professional Wilhelem Wilhelem has been appointed as a legal advisor at the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN).

    22 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Friday 15 May

  1. Cran appoints Johanna Ileka as ICT systems specialist

    The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia has appointed Johanna Ileka as ICT systems specialist to strengthen the organisation's IT infrastructure. Her responsibilities include administration and maintenance of Cran's ICT environment, cloud platforms, virtualisation, data centre operations, identity and access management, and coordination of backup and disaster recovery systems.

    15 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute