Also known as: Starlink Internet Services · Starlink Internet Services Namibia (Pty) Limited
Starlink — satellite internet service provider whose licence application Namibia rejected over local ownership and security concerns.
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The Namibian
Starlink was rejected by the government for not meeting key legal and regulatory requirements
“The government says the satellite internet provider does not meet key legal and regulatory requirements.”
Local internet providers unreliable – lawyer Amoomo after Starlink rejectionInformanté
Starlink is wholly foreign-owned and did not meet the legal requirement for at least 51% Namibian ownership
“The Authority added that Starlink is wholly foreign-owned and did not meet the legal requirement for at least 51% Namibian ownership, nor did it obtain an exemption.”
Starlink bid to operate in Namibia declinedInformanté
Starlink is accused of operating in Namibia without a valid licence and failing to respond to regulatory summons
“The regulator also cited Starlink's prior contravention of the Communications Act, accusing the company of operating in Namibia without a valid licence and failing to respond to regulatory summons, which raised doubts about its willingness to comply with local regulations.”
Starlink bid to operate in Namibia declinedThe Namibian
Starlink is a satellite-based internet service that has been rapidly expanding across Africa
“Starlink, operated by SpaceX, is a satellite-based internet service that has been rapidly expanding across Africa, particularly targeting rural and underserved areas where traditional broadband infrastructure is limited.”
Cran rejects Starlink licenceThe Namibian
Starlink had its application for a licence rejected to operate in Namibia
“The government has rejected satellite internet service Starlink's application for a licence to operate in Namibia, citing the company does not meet key legal and regulatory requirements.”
Namibia rejects Starlink licence over legal and security concernsThe Namibian
Starlink failed to comply with Namibia's requirement of at least 51% local ownership
“However, the company failed to comply with Namibia's requirement of at least 51% local ownership and did not obtain an exemption.”
Namibia rejects Starlink licence over legal and security concernsThe Namibian
Starlink has become a vital communications lifeline for residents contacting the outside world
“The satellite internet system has become a vital communications lifeline for some trying to contact the outside world.”
‘Even under missiles we carry on living' – how young Iranians are coping with warNew Era
Starlink is seeking exemption from Namibia's ownership requirements
“Starlink is seeking an exemption from Namibia's ownership requirements, citing what it calls crucial time delays emanating from complicated ownership requirements.”
Starlink decision expected in MarchThe Namibian
Starlink operates across 25 African countries
“Starlink operates across 25 African countries, from Nigeria to Kenya, Rwanda to Zimbabwe.”
Starlink’s Namibian Chapter: Progress, Not PanicThe Namibian
Starlink had their application rejected by Minister Emma Theofelus
“Minister of information and communication technology Emma Theofelus cryptically confirmed, via an unofficial platform, that she has rejected Starlink's application to provide satellite-driven internet services.”
Starlink No, Namibia Air Yes?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 →
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 →
Twin earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, killing at least 235 people, damaging more than 250 buildings, and leaving thousands homeless. Rescue teams are searching for survivors as international aid arrives and authorities warn the death toll is expected to rise.
27 June 2026 · Informanté →
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 →
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 →
An analysis of South Africa's "Conference of the Left" in Ekurhuleni argues that the meeting signals a return of competing Cold War-style blocs—communist and capitalist—reshaped around state-led development and anti-imperialism versus inclusive capitalism. The writer warns Namibian and African leaders not to be drawn into antagonism that serves these blocs rather than their own material interests.
18 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
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 →
A review of the first episode of 'The Black and Yellow Podcast', a new show on One Africa Television hosted by Namibian duo Reggie and Frozen with guest Michael Amushelelo, finds the conversation lacking structure and insight, circling predictably around dating and materialism rather than exploring deeper territory, though technical improvements and clearer direction could strengthen future episodes.
22 April 2026 · The Namibian →
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia rejected Starlink's application citing ownership, security, and sovereignty concerns. The editorial argues that local telecommunications companies must now deliver better connectivity and affordability, noting that Namibia ranks 143rd globally in internet speed and only 15% of households have fixed internet access.
28 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Starlink says it will appeal the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia's rejection of its application to operate in the country, citing the authority's decision as "disappointing". The regulator declined the application because Starlink failed to meet local ownership requirements, which mandate that telecommunications providers be at least 51% locally owned, along with other regulatory and legal compliance issues.
27 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Prime Minister Dr. Elijah Ngurare has defended Namibia's rejection of Elon Musk's Starlink proposal, saying Namibian laws must apply equally to all foreign investors regardless of geopolitical ties. The government turned down the 100% foreign-owned venture due to national security concerns, insisting that any company providing services in Namibia must allow local ownership and benefit to Namibians.
26 March 2026 · Informanté →
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.
26 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare defended Namibia's rejection of Starlink's licence application, saying the country will not waive its 51% local ownership requirement for any investor. Opposition leader McHenry Venaani criticised the decision as irrational, arguing Starlink could have improved internet connectivity for rural schools.
26 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's Information and Communication Technology Minister Emma Theofelus said the rejection of Starlink's application to provide satellite internet services was lawful and based on regulatory requirements, including the mandatory 51% local ownership rule and national security concerns. The minister noted that Starlink's proposed 100% foreign ownership model raised material regulatory considerations regarding jurisdiction and government oversight, and that the company had also operated unlawfully without a licence.
25 March 2026 · New Era →
Lawyer Kadhila Amoomo has criticized local internet service providers as "unreliable monopolies" following the government's rejection this week of Starlink's application to operate in Namibia, citing the company's failure to meet legal and regulatory requirements. Amoomo argued that Namibians are "stuck" with expensive and unreliable services from Telecom and MTC, while the regulatory authority Cran has warned the public against purchasing or subscribing to Starlink services as they are illegal under Namibian law.
25 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia has declined Starlink's application for telecommunications and spectrum licences, citing non-compliance with ownership rules (requiring 51% Namibian ownership), national security concerns, and prior breaches of the Communications Act. CRAN said Starlink met only three of six required criteria, and the company may request reconsideration within 30 days.
25 March 2026 · Informanté →
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) has rejected Starlink's applications for both a class comprehensive telecommunications service licence and a Spectrum licence for satellite internet services. The decision was published in the Government Gazette, with the authority citing that Starlink has 0% Namibian citizen ownership, and aggrieved parties may petition for reconsideration within 90 days.
25 March 2026 · The Namibian →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →