The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has rejected the application by Starlink Internet Services Namibia (Pty) Ltd for Class Comprehensive Telecommunications Service Licence (ECS & ECNS) and a Spectrum Licence.
The application, for Starlink to be allowed to operate in the airspace of Namibia and provide internet services to people and institutions in the country, was submitted on 1 June 2024.
“Upon evaluation of the applications, CRAN found that the applicant only met three of the six criteria required by law,” said CRAN’s communication manager Mr Mufaro Nesongano.
“Since each criterion is a ground for refusal, the Authority resolved to decline the application for a Class Comprehensive Telecommunications Service Licence (ECS & ECNS) by Applicant.
“Having found that the applicant has failed to satisfy the mandatory requirements for the issuance of a Class Comprehensive Telecommunications Service Licence (ECS & ECNS), and further noting that a spectrum license cannot in law be held without a Class Comprehensive Telecommunications Service Licence (ECS & ECNS), the Authority accordingly also resolved to decline the application for spectrum licence, in terms of section 101(6) of the Act.”
Nesongano stated in a statement that CRAN is legally bound to act within the powers conferred by the Communications Act.
“Approving the application in the absence of compliance would be inconsistent with the Act.
“Furthermore, CRAN recognises the transformative potential of low earth orbit (LEO) satellites in expanding connectivity, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The Authority will thus continue to champion the deployment of LEO satellite technology and investment into other emerging technologies as critical pillars to achieve universal connectivity in Namibia.”
CRAN said that it remains committed to promoting universal access to telecommunications services and enabling investments that support Namibia’s digital transformation, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
The Authority continues to work closely with industry stakeholders to foster innovation, competition, and the development of reliable and secure communications infrastructure.
“In this context, CRAN evaluated an application by Starlink Internet Services Namibia (Pty) Ltd (Starlink) for a Class Comprehensive Telecommunications Service Licence (ECS & ECNS) and a Spectrum Licence for fixed satellite services.
According to CRAN the comprehensive and detailed assessment of the application, was guided by the principles of administrative law, including legality, rationality, proportionality, and procedural fairness.
“This process included consideration of public submissions, as well as an evaluation of competition, national defence and public security, technical and financial capacity, frequency availability, ownership and control structures, and compliance history.
CRAN said that Starlink’s application failed on the criteria of “ownership and control”, “national defence and public security”, and “compliance history”.
CRAN stated that in accordance with the Communications Act, “the Applicant or any person aggrieved by this decision may request reconsideration of this decision within thirty (30) days, from 23 March 2026.”
In the photo: Starlink’s owner Mr Elon Musk and CRAN’s spokesperson Mr Mufaro Nesongano.
