Namibia rejects Starlink licence over ownership and regulatory concerns

Namibia’s telecommunications regulator has denied licence applications from satellite internet provider Starlink, citing failure to meet key ownership and compliance requirements under the country’s laws.

The decision, confirmed on Wednesday, affects Starlink’s bid to operate fully in the Southern African nation through a telecommunications service licence and access to radio spectrum. Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX founded by Elon Musk, had applied as part of its broader push to expand connectivity across Africa.

According to Namibia’s Communications Regulatory Authority, the company satisfied only three out of six criteria required for approval. While Starlink met conditions related to technical capability, competition, financial strength, and spectrum availability, its application ultimately fell short on regulatory and ownership grounds.

A notice published in the government gazette earlier in the week formally confirmed the rejection, marking another hurdle for the company’s expansion efforts on the continent.

Ownership Rules and Compliance Issues at the Centre

At the heart of the decision is Namibia’s requirement that telecommunications operators must have at least 51 percent local ownership, unless an exemption is granted. The regulator noted that Starlink is entirely foreign-owned and did not secure such an exemption, making it non-compliant with the country’s legal framework.

Beyond ownership concerns, authorities also raised questions about regulatory oversight and national security. The regulator said a fully foreign-owned operation presents challenges around jurisdiction and the enforcement of compliance obligations, particularly in sectors considered critical to public safety and national defence.

In addition, Starlink was accused of previously breaching Namibia’s Communications Act and failing to respond to a regulatory summons. This, according to the authority, reflected a disregard for the country’s governance structure within the telecoms sector.

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The company did not immediately respond to requests for comment following the announcement.

Expansion Challenges Across Africa

Despite its rapid rollout across several African markets, Starlink has encountered regulatory resistance in a number of countries. Some governments have raised concerns similar to Namibia’s, while in other cases, state-backed telecom operators have pushed back against the entry of the satellite internet provider.

Namibia had already taken action against the company in November 2024, issuing a cease-and-desist order after determining that Starlink was operating without a valid licence. The latest rejection reinforces the regulator’s stance on strict compliance with local laws.

The decision highlights the broader tension between global tech firms seeking to scale quickly and national regulators aiming to maintain control over critical infrastructure. For Starlink, which promises to expand internet access in underserved regions, navigating these legal and political frameworks remains a key challenge as it deepens its presence across Africa.