Cran orders Starlink to stop operations in Namibia

THE Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) has advised the public not to support satellite internet company Starlink as its activities are illegal in Namibia.

The authority has ordered Starlink to stop its operations in the country.

In a statement issued yesterday, Cran said Starlink is operating without the required telecommunications licence.

“Following an investigation, Cran has established that Starlink is operating a network within Namibia without the required telecommunications licence,” the statement said.

??Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by Starlink Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

It delivers broadband internet beamed down from a network of roughly 5 500 satellites that SpaceX started launching in 2019.

According to Cran, Starlink was issued with a cease-and-desist order instructing the company to immediately cease all operations in Namibia.

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

“Cran investigators have already confiscated illegal terminals from consumers and have opened criminal cases with the Namibian Police in this regard,” the statement said.

Cran chief executive Emilia Nghikembua said the company must comply with the licensing process before operating in Namibia.

“Cran remains committed to enforcing the Communications Act to ensure fair competition, consumer protection, and compliance with regulatory requirements. We urge all service providers to adhere to the legal framework governing the telecommunications sector in Namibia,” Cran said.

The authority said Starlink has submitted an application for a telecommunications service licence, which is, however, still under review.

“Until such time that a licence is granted, the importation of Starlink terminal equipment and use of its services contravene the law,” said the statement.

Moreover, Cran is actively pursuing legal action against any individual or company found in contravention of the Communications Act.

Starlink would need to surrender 51% of its operations in Namibia to operate without local partners.

Alternatively, it should be exempted from operating without local partners by minister of information and communication technology Emma Theofelus.

Starlink could challenge established internet service providers such as MTC and Telecom Namibia.

In South Africa, Musk faced the challenge of being forced to comply with the country’s black economic empowerment regulations and existing historically disadvantaged ownership requirements.