Starlink Banned in Namibia over Licensing Dispute
Elon Musk’s satellite internet provider, Starlink, has been ordered to cease all operations in Namibia after the country’s communications regulator found the company operating without a license. This move comes amidst ongoing regulatory challenges for Starlink as it expands across Africa.
Operating Without Permission
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) announced on November 26, 2024, that it had issued a cease-and-desist order to Starlink, instructing the company to immediately halt its activities within the country. CRAN specified that an investigation revealed Starlink had established and operated a network without the legally required telecommunications license.
“Following an investigation, CRAN has established that Starlink is operating a network within Namibia without the required telecommunications license,” CRAN said in a statement.
“On 26 November 2024, the Authority issued a cease-and-desist order to Starlink, instructing the company to immediately cease all operations in Namibia.”
Requests for comment from SpaceX, Starlink’s parent company, were not immediately answered.
A Call for Compliance
In addition to ordering Starlink to cease operations, CRAN openly warned the Namibian public against purchasing Starlink terminal equipment or subscribing to its services. The regulator emphasized that such actions would be considered illegal. CRAN investigators have already taken steps to confiscate illegally imported Starlink terminals from consumers, with criminal cases initiated in conjunction with the Namibian Police.
Obstacles in Africa
Although Starlinkg operates successfully in various African nations, its expansion has been met with regulatory hurdles and resistance from established state-owned telecom monopolies in other countries. The recent incident in Namibia mirrors a similar situation earlier this year in Cameroon, where authorities ordered the seizure of Starlink equipment at ports due to a lack of licensing.
While Starlink has formally submitted an application for a telecommunications service license in Namibia, CRAN has yet to approve it as the application remains under review. The company’s immediate future in Namibia hangs in the balance, dependent on CRAN’s licensing decision and Starlink’s compliance with local regulations.
What are the arguments for and against Starlink operating in Namibia without obtaining the necessary telecom licenses?
## Starlink Shut Down in Namibia: A Licensing Dispute
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re discussing a major development regarding Elon Musk’s Starlink in Africa. Joining us is [Guest Name], a tech policy expert with years of experience in African markets. [Guest Name], thanks for being here.
**Guest:** Thanks for having me.
**Interviewer:** Let’s dive right in. As we understand it, Starlink was operating in Namibia, but has now been ordered to cease operations. What exactly happened?
**Guest:** That’s right. The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia, or CRAN, issued a cease-and-desist order to Starlink on November 26th. This was after an investigation revealed that Starlink was operating its satellite internet network without the required telecommunications license in Namibia. [[1](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/musks-starlink-ordered-cease-operations-161255067.html)]
**Interviewer:** So, essentially, Starlink was operating without permission?
**Guest:** Exactly. Every country has its own regulations for telecommunications companies, and obtaining the necessary licenses is crucial. It appears Starlink either failed to apply for or was denied a license in Namibia, leading to this situation.
**Interviewer:** What does this mean for Namibian users who were relying on Starlink for internet access?
**Guest:** It’s a significant disruption. Starlink, with its satellite network, offered internet access to remote areas where traditional infrastructure was limited. This shutdown will undoubtedly affect those users, leaving them with fewer options for connectivity.
**Interviewer:** This isn’t the first time Starlink has faced regulatory hurdles as it expands across Africa. What are some of the broader challenges the company faces in the region?
**Guest:** You’re right, this is part of a larger pattern. Many African countries are still developing their regulatory frameworks for satellite internet services. This can lead to delays and uncertainties for companies like Starlink. Additionally, there are concerns from some governments about the potential impact on existing telecom providers and the need to protect national interests.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what do you think this situation means for the future of Starlink in Africa?
**Guest:** It highlights the importance of careful and transparent engagement with local authorities. Starlink needs to build strong relationships with regulators in each country and ensure they comply with all licensing requirements. This situation in Namibia serves as a reminder that successful expansion in Africa requires more than just technology; it requires navigating complex regulatory landscapes.