Elon Musk's Starlink Denied License to Operate in Namibia

Tue Mar 24 2026 14:58:59 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia has blocked Starlink's application for a license, citing local ownership requirements.

Elon Musk's satellite internet service, Starlink, faced a setback as the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia rejected its application to operate in the country. The refusal is attributed to the absence of local ownership in Starlink's Namibian subsidiary. This decision marks another regulatory challenge for the company in southern Africa, where it aims to expand its services amidst local laws that require a majority of ownership from citizens or local entities. Starlink has yet to respond to this development.

Elon Musk's Starlink Denied License to Operate in Namibia

Namibia has rejected an application by Elon Musk-owned Starlink for a licence to provide satellite internet services in the country, dealing the company a second setback in southern Africa.

The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) announced the decision without giving reasons for its refusal, but noted that Starlink's Namibian subsidiary did not have local ownership.

Starlink has not yet commented on the decision.

It operates in about 25 African countries but has faced regulatory challenges in others, including South Africa, where ownership rules have also blocked its entry.

Namibian law requires that at least 51% shares in any telecommunications company must be owned by citizens or local entities.

Namibia is a former colony of Germany and was governed by South Africa's white-minority regime until it gained independence in 1990. Since independence, the country has adopted policies aimed at increasing local ownership in businesses and addressing racial inequality.

On its website, Starlink mentions that it has established a local company that will partner with Namibian firms to create employment opportunities.

Cran said it could reconsider its decision either on its own motion or on a petition filed by an aggrieved party within 90 days.

In 2024, the regulator issued an order against Starlink, accusing it of operating without a license and instructing it to immediately cease all operations in Namibia. It also advised the public not to purchase Starlink terminal equipment or subscribe to its services, as doing so would be illegal.

Musk, who was born in South Africa in 1971, has criticized racist ownership laws that have hindered Starlink's launch in both Namibia and South Africa. He claimed previously that his company was not allowed to operate in South Africa simply because I'm not black. In contrast, the South African government has stated that Starlink could operate legally if it complies with local laws.

The black empowerment policies enacted post-1994 aim to rectify historical inequalities by mandating local black firms receive significant stakes in businesses.

Starlink delivers internet services via a network of satellites designed to provide access to high-speed internet in remote areas.