Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: NAMIBIA has rejected an ap plication by Elon Musk-owned Starlink for a licence to provide satellite internet services in the coun try, dealing the company a second set back in southern Africa.
The Communications Regula tory Authority of Namibia (Cran) an nounced the decision without giving reasons for its refusal, but noted that Starlink’s Namibian subsidiary did not have local ownership.
Starlink operates in about 25 Afri can countries but has faced regulatory challenges in others, including South Africa, where ownership rules have also blocked its entry.
Namibian law requires that at least 51 per cent shares in any telecommu nications company must be owned by citizens or local entities.
Namibia is a former colony of Ger many, and was under the rule of South Setback for Starlink Namibia rejects Musk company’s application ate employment opportunities.
Cran said it could reconsider its decision either “on its own motion or on a petition filed by an aggrieved party” within 90 days. In 2024, the regulator issued Africa’s white-minority regime until it gained independence in 1990.
It then adopted policies aimed at in creasing local ownership in business es and tackling racial inequality.
On its website, Starlink says it has established a local company that will partner with Namibian firms and cre an order against Starlink, ac cusing it of operating without a licence and instructing it to im mediately cease all operations in Namibia.
It also advised the public not to purchase Starlink terminal equip ment or subscribe to its services, as doing so would be illegal. Starlink provides internet services via a huge network of satellites. It is aimed at people who live in remote areas who cannot get high-speed in ternet.
