Starlink

Also known as: Starlink Internet Services · Starlink Internet Services Namibia (Pty) Limited · Starlink's

Starlink — satellite internet service provider whose application to operate in Namibia was rejected by regulators over local ownership and security concerns.

Business

Namibia rejects Starlink licence bid citing ownership and security rules

The News

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.

25 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 25 March

Namibia rejects Starlink licence bid citing ownership and security rules
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.
25 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 12 March

Young Iranians cope with ongoing war, internet blackout
As the US and Israel continue attacking Iran since 28 February, young Iranians in Tehran are sheltering at home, adjusting sleep schedules around bombings, and some fleeing to safer regions ahead of Nowruz. With government-imposed internet outages, residents are using Starlink devices at high cost and legal risk to maintain contact with loved ones, though connectivity remains severely limited.
12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 21 January

Echo Namibia receives regulatory approval for satellite internet
Echo Namibia has received full approval from the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia to provide internet services using OneWeb's low earth orbit satellite technology. The service will offer download speeds up to 100Mb and upload speeds up to 20Mb, with data packages ranging from 250Gb to 2,000Gb.
21 January 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 13 January

Security forces kill hundreds in Iran anti-government protests
Eyewitnesses in Iran describe security forces and paramilitary units opening fire with live ammunition on unarmed protesters, with credible accounts suggesting dozens to hundreds killed across multiple cities. Iran has cut internet access and barred international media from reporting freely, making independent verification difficult, though human rights groups estimate at least 648 deaths including minors.
13 January 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 8 January

Thirteen economic priorities for Namibia's investment competitiveness
An analysis identifies 13 issues that could shape Namibia's investment future in 2026, including rebuilding investor confidence, streamlining regulations, reforming tax enforcement, modernizing business registration, and improving trade and digital infrastructure. The piece argues that Namibia must convert its natural resources and political stability into measurable economic performance and offer a clearer reason for foreign investors to choose it over regional competitors.
8 January 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 7 January

CRAN expects Starlink licensing decision by end of March
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia expects to announce its decision on Starlink's application to operate in Namibia by the end of Q1 2026. The main issue holding up the application is Namibia's legal requirement that telecommunications licensees have 51% domestic ownership, which Starlink is seeking an exemption from, though public submissions on the application have been largely supportive (1,164 in favour versus 16 opposed).
7 January 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 6 January

Amnesty: Uganda security forces repress opposition ahead of elections
Amnesty International reported that Ugandan security forces have used torture and arbitrary arrests to intimidate opposition supporters ahead of 15 January elections, with documented cases of beating, pepper-spraying, and tasering; President Yoweri Museveni seeks to extend his 40-year rule amid fears the government may shut down the internet during voting.
6 January 2026 · New Era →