The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has confirmed the dismissal of an application by the LEO-satellite internet services provider Starlink, bringing a long-running regulatory dispute closer to its conclusion.
CRAN’s CEO, Emilia Nghikembua, noted that 622 of the 624 applications received did not meet procedural requirements. Of the remaining two, which were procedural and jurisdictional in nature, CRAN found that they brought no new facts and therefore stood to be dismissed.
Starlink’s own application for reconsideration was also dismissed, having been submitted outside the statutory appeals period.
Starlink’s path to market access in Namibia has been marked by repeated setbacks. In November 2024, CRAN formally ordered the company to halt its satellite internet operations in the country, citing the absence of a required telecommunications licence.
The regulator also cautioned consumers against purchasing Starlink equipment at the time and reported confiscating unauthorised terminals.
Despite this, public sentiment has remained firmly in Starlink’s favour.
During a public consultation in December 2025, over 98% of public comments supported the company’s entry into the Namibian market, underscoring strong consumer demand despite persistent regulatory hurdles.
Source: https://spaceinafrica.com/2026/06/22/namibias-communications-regulator-confirms-dismissal-of-starlinks-licence-appeals/