Starlink, backed by billionaire Elon Musk, has confirmed it will pursue an appeal after the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) rejected its application to operate in the country, dealing a blow to its African expansion efforts, Business Insider Africa reported.
In a statement released this week, the company described the outcome as a “disappointing outcome,” adding that it was especially concerning for “the thousands of you who placed deposits, participated in the public consultation, and made your voices heard.”
According to reports by The Namibian, Starlink plans to engage the regulator through a formal appeal process, noting that Namibia’s system allows continued public input over the next 90 days.
“Hope is not lost,” the company said, adding: “If you disagree with the government’s decision, you can share your perspective and request reconsideration.”
Starlink also expressed its willingness to continue discussions with authorities, stating: “We believe Starlink would provide meaningful benefits for the people of Namibia, and remain open to working with the government should the decision be revisited.”
Crest Africa earlier reported that Namibia denied Starlink both a telecommunications licence and access to radio spectrum. CRAN published the decision in an official notice on Monday, March 23, without detailing specific reasons, but noted that it could revisit the decision either “on its own motion or on a petition filed by an aggrieved party” within 90 days.
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The regulator later clarified that the rejection was due to Starlink’s failure to meet local ownership, regulatory compliance, and legal requirements.
Namibian law requires telecommunications providers to be at least 51% locally owned, and Starlink, which is fully foreign-owned, did not apply for an exemption.
The company argued that public opinion supported its entry, claiming that 98.6% of participants in a consultation process backed its application.
This development reflects broader regulatory challenges facing Starlink across Africa. Operated by SpaceX, the service has expanded rapidly since launching in Nigeria in January 2023.
By October of the same year, it had entered markets such as Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, Malawi, and Zambia, and has since grown to operate in more than 25 countries across the continent.
However, its expansion has faced resistance in markets including South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Cameroon, often due to local ownership requirements and concerns about competition with state-backed telecom providers.
In Namibia, tensions date back to November 2024, when CRAN issued a cease-and-desist order accusing Starlink of operating without a licence, warning consumers against purchasing its equipment and confiscating unauthorized terminals.
The ongoing appeal process will test how regulators balance the need for improved internet access with laws that prioritize local ownership and market control.
While Starlink maintains it can deliver “meaningful benefits” to underserved communities, its growth across Africa is increasingly influenced by national policies aimed at ensuring local participation in key sectors.
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Image Credit: PCMag
