Ninety-eight percent of written submissions received by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) on the application of Starlink are in support of the request to allow Starlink’s entry to the Namibian market.
Two weeks ago CRAN called on members of the public and other stakeholders to provide views and input on the Starlink telecommunications licence application currently under consideration.
“As at Friday, 12 December 2025, CRAN received a total of 1,180 written submissions. The feedback reflects a broad range of views, with the majority of submissions expressing support for the application,” CRAN’s manager for communication and consumer relations Mr Mufaro Nesongano said.
“Of these, 1,164 were supportive and a total of 16 submissions expressed opposition to the application.
“Amongst the supportive and opposition input, there was a number of substantive comments that the applicant will be required to formally address as part of the evaluation process.”
Nesongano stated that collectively, these comments illustrate the public’s active engagement and diverse perspectives regarding the potential implications of Starlink’s entry into Namibia’s telecommunications sector.
“CRAN is currently in the process of consolidating all received comments.
“Once completed, the Authority will share the compiled feedback with Starlink, providing an opportunity for the company to respond directly to the public concerns and viewpoints within a period of 14 days after receiving the comments,” stated Nesongano.
“CRAN aims to announce its decision regarding the licence application by the end of the first quarter (Q1) of 2026, ensuring thorough review and public engagement throughout the process,” said Nesongano.
Starlink promises to provide fast internet using satellite infrastructure, making it easier for access to fast and reliable internet to be available to all areas under the sky of whatever country it is allowed to operate in.
Meanwhile MTC has this week rolled out a campaign promoting its Fixed Wireless Internet (FWI), which also promises to provide fast internet to all areas in Namibia.
“With 5G FWI, we are bringing high-speed internet to places that fibre may never reach due to terrain or infrastructure barriers so that more Namibians can connect, learn, and grow,” said Marvin Wermann, FWI Product Executive at MTC.
When asked whether this latest campaign was motivated by Starlink’s application which is currently under consideration at CRAN, Mr Tim Ekandjo, MTC’s Manager for … said that the move simply shows MTC’s response to growing demand for data and connectivity.
“At MTC, we have always held high the belief that we are more than a network operator – but a digital enabler driving a digital-led economy,” stated Ekandjo.
“Our earlier years might have seen us viewed as mere network operator offering voice connectivity; however as technology evolves, our ambitions have always been underpinned by our license as service-neutral license operator to offer multiple services that are compatible on our network and platforms for our esteemed clients to meet their future needs.
“What drove this move is indicative that growing demand for data and connectivity, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, and wider fibre coverage are supporting this growth.
“These trends are what the growth trajectory of MTC is geared towards as highlighted in our strategy for 2025 – 2028.
“Put mildly, future growth is increasingly expected to be driven by value-added services and broadband solutions rather than pure subscriber additions as we continue rolling out 5G and fibre networks to support connectivity and broadband solutions as a digital enabler.”
In the photo: CRAN’s communications officer Mr Mufaro Nesongano, and Starlink’s owner Mr Elon Musk.
