Starlink says it will appeal Namibia’s decision to reject its license application despite strong public backing, keeping alive its effort to launch satellite internet services in the Southern African country.
In a statement, the SpaceX-owned internet company described the outcome as “disappointing,” particularly for the thousands of Namibians who had already placed deposits and participated in the public consultation process.
Starlink also pointed to what it says was overwhelming local interest, as 98.6 percent of respondents in a public consultation supported its entry into the market.
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) declined both Starlink’s application for a class comprehensive telecommunications service license and its request for spectrum access, which would have enabled the company to offer satellite internet services locally.
According to CRAN, the application failed to meet Namibia’s legal, regulatory, and local ownership requirements. Telecommunications service providers must be at least 51 percent locally owned. Starlink, which is fully American-based, reportedly did not seek an exemption.
Despite the setback, the internet company says it will pursue an appeal and has pointed to a 90-day review window in Namibia’s regulatory process that allows for further public input and reconsideration requests. Starlink said it remains open to engagement with the government if the decision is revisited.
Meanwhile, in North America, Starlink is expanding through a new partnership with SaskTel aimed at improving connectivity for rural businesses. In Asia, Bangladesh is testing the service on passenger trains.
