Namibia Rejects Elon Musk’s Starlink License Application

Namibia has rejected an application from Elon Musk’s Starlink for both a telecommunications license and access to radio spectrum, marking another setback for the satellite internet provider’s expansion in Southern Africa. The decision, announced Monday by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) in an official government notice, comes after a cease-and-desist order was issued to Starlink in November 2024 for operating without a license.

The notice did not detail the specific reasons for the denial, but indicated that CRAN could reconsider its decision within 90 days if prompted by either its own initiative or a petition from an affected party. A spokesperson for the regulator stated that a more detailed statement would be released at a later time, according to Reuters.

Africa Expansion Hits Snags

Starlink, a SpaceX subsidiary, has rapidly expanded its presence across Africa since launching service in Nigeria in January 2023. By October 2023, the service was available in seven countries – Nigeria, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, Malawi, and Zambia – and has since grown to at least 25 nations. However, this expansion has been met with increasing regulatory hurdles and resistance from established state-owned telecommunications companies.

The Namibian rejection follows a similar outcome in neighboring South Africa, where Starlink has also failed to secure a license. Musk has publicly attributed the difficulties in South Africa to the country’s Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policies, claiming the company is unable to obtain a license because he is not Black. These policies require operators, including those with foreign investment, to allocate at least 30 percent equity to historically disadvantaged groups, a legacy of the apartheid era.

The situation in Namibia appears to be influenced by similar concerns regarding local ownership. CRAN indicated that Starlink’s Namibian subsidiary, Starlink Internet Services Namibia (Pty) Limited, lacks local ownership, a factor that may have contributed to the decision. This echoes the challenges faced in South Africa, where ownership requirements are proving to be a significant barrier to entry for foreign-owned telecommunications companies.

The rejections in Namibia and South Africa highlight a growing trend of African nations seeking to assert greater control over their telecommunications infrastructure and ensure that the benefits of technological advancements are shared more equitably. While Starlink offers the potential to connect remote and underserved areas, governments are increasingly prioritizing policies that promote local participation and address historical inequalities.

Starlink delivers internet speeds of up to 400+ Mbps in most locations globally and is currently available in over 150 countries and territories. However, its continued expansion in Africa will likely depend on its ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and address concerns about local ownership and economic empowerment. The next 90 days will be crucial as Starlink considers whether to petition CRAN for reconsideration, and how it will adapt its approach to meet the requirements of the Namibian regulatory environment.