The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has ordered Starlink to cease operations in the country for failing to meet local licensing requirements.
CRAN said that the SpaceX subsidiary in Namibia is providing services without government approval and therefore the public is prohibited from purchasing its services.
According to Namibian law, all telecommunications providers must obtain a license from CRAN before operating in Namibia. Starlink has applied for this license but it is still under review and has not yet been approved.
The regulator stressed that this licensing requirement applies to all companies regardless of their global structure to ensure a level playing field for domestic and international operators.
Starlink has revolutionized internet connectivity in many regions, but its rapid expansion into new markets has sometimes faced regulatory framework challenges. In April 2024, Cameroon banned Starlink due to regulatory issues and confiscated equipment at the border.
Although Starlink’s website lists a launch date of 2025, its handsets and equipment have been seized by police.
