Musk’s Starlink blocked from operating in African country

The decision was made in line with licensing regulations, the Namibian authorities have said

Namibia has refused to grant Elon Musk’s Starlink a telecommunications license amid mounting pushback against the US-based satellite internet provider across Africa.

The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) announced the move on Monday, saying it had rejected the company’s application for service and spectrum access.

“The authority resolved to decline the award of a class comprehensive telecommunications service licence for Starlink Internet Services Namibia (Pty) Limited,” CRAN said in a notice cited by local media.

The regulator did not publicly provide detailed reasons for the move but noted that Starlink’s Namibian subsidiary lacks local ownership, adding that the decision was taken “in accordance with applicable licensing regulations.” CRAN said it could reconsider the decision “on its own motion or on a petition filed by an aggrieved party” within 90 days.

The bid has faced hurdles over Namibia’s local ownership laws, which typically require 51% majority domestic shares, with Starlink seeking an exemption as a wholly foreign-owned company.

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In 2024, CRAN issued Starlink a cease-and-desist order, instructing it to halt all operations in the country. The authorities also warned the public against using Starlink equipment or subscribing to its services, saying such use is illegal under Namibian law.

The decision highlights broader tensions between African governments and Musk’s satellite network, which provides high-speed internet in underserved areas. While Starlink operates in around 25 African countries, it has faced regulatory resistance in several others.

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Cameroon also took action against the company in 2024, banning the import of Starlink kits, suspending its services and seizing satellite internet equipment over licensing violations and national security concerns.

South Africa – Musk’s country of birth – has yet to approve the service amid disputes over Black ownership laws, which require telecom license holders to have at least 30% local ownership by historically disadvantaged groups, as well as broader regulatory conditions.

Starlink has yet to comment on Namibia’s decision.