Namibia shut down Starlink for operating without a license

Namibia Communications Regulatory Authority (KRAN) Issued cease and desist order to Elon Musk starlink for operating without a license in the country. The country’s telecommunications regulator also warned that individuals and organizations found to be using or distributing the service illegally would face strict legal action.

Space-X has authorized the satellite internet provider to suspend its services in Namibia, according to a press release issued by CRAN on Wednesday.

“Following an investigation, CRAN found that Starlink was operating a network in Namibia without the required telecommunications licence. On November 26, 2024, the Authority issued a cease and desist order to Starlink, instructing the company to immediately cease all operations in Namibia.The statement includes the following statements:

The regulator also ordered the seizure of all Starlink terminal equipment nationwide. Namibians have been advised to refrain from importing or using Starlink equipment until the licensing process and compliance with local laws are guaranteed.

“The public is advised not to purchase Starlink terminal equipment or subscribe to its services as such activities are illegal under Namibian law.“said the organizer.

CRAN has stated its commitment to ensuring that all telecommunications services in Namibia operate within the established legal framework. He added that criminal cases are filed with the Namibia Police against anyone who breaks any law.

CRAN CEO Emilia Nghikembua also warned that legal action would be taken against anyone who violates the regulation set out in the Communications Act (No. 8 of 2009). “The import of Starlink terminal equipment and use of its services until the license is granted violates Articles 37(1) and 38(2)(a) of the Act. These acts constitute a regulatory offense under Section 114(1),he said.

Meanwhile, Nghikembua stated that Starlink has applied for a telecommunications service license in Namibia. However, the application is under review.

The entry of Elon Musk’s SpaceX into Namibia has been met with great interest due to the promise of high-speed internet through a network of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. However, the lack of regulatory approval has halted its ability to legally operate services in the country.

As of the date of publication of this report, SpaceX has not yet released any statement regarding this development.

Starlink regulatory approval issues in Africa

SpaceX’s satellite unit Starlink operates in several African countries but has faced regulatory challenges and resistance from state telecom monopolies in others.

Earlier this year the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOKRA) ordered a ban on the import, use and sale of Starlink kits or services. The ban also brought with it a warning of legal sanctions for those who violate the ban.

On February 2, 2024, BOCRA rejected Starlink’s application to operate in Botswana, citing the company’s failure to meet all requirements. In an email statement, BOCRA emphasized that Starlink has not authorized any entity to import or resell Internet kits in Botswana. Criminals will commit a crime, although specific charges are not announced.

In August, the company launched its services in Botswana, the 11th African country to enjoy high-speed connectivity.

In April, the Zimbabwean government ordered the company to shut down its services in the country after failing to obtain regulatory approval from the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ). The regulator will eventually grant the company permission to operate in the country.

During the same period, Cameroon confiscated Starlink kits at its borders because the internet service provider had not yet received a license in the country. Starlink had planned to stop the service on April 30 in regions where it had not yet received an operating permit, including Cameroon.

South Africa remains one of the few countries in the world with no estimated date of entry into service. reported in April Starlink will not work in South Africa because the company did not want to share ownership with the local people as per government requirements.

Starlink has refused to comply with the country’s BEE (Black Economic Empowerment) requirements to gift 30% of ownership to historically disadvantaged local people. Also the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) and the Minister of Transport has failed to issue new communications licenses for nearly 13 years.

Icasa said it had not received any license application from Starlink and that the company had not applied to the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT). report.

Space-X’s regulatory challenges highlight the hurdles global satellite internet providers face in navigating country-specific regulatory environments. Starlink’s technology has the potential to address connectivity gaps in rural and underserved areas. However, compliance with local licensing requirements remains an obstacle.

Meanwhile, the satellite internet provider continues to expand its coverage in Africa with its latest launch in Chad. Other countries in the region with published estimated go-live dates include Mauritius (sometime in 2025), Angola (4th quarter 2024), Tanzania (also 4th quarter 2024), Democratic Republic of Congo (2025), Comoros (4th quarter 2024). 2025) and Seychelles (2025).

Also Read: Starlink is entering service in the West African country of Chad.