Namibia has initiated the licensing process for Starlink to provide satellite internet services across the country.
The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRAN) published the American company’s license applications in the Official Gazette on 28 November, inviting public comments within 14 days.
Starlink has applied for a nationwide telecommunications services license to offer high-speed satellite internet via low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, targeting both individual consumers and businesses with comprehensive coverage. The application also seeks a spectrum license for the frequency bands between 10.7 GHz and 14.7 GHz. CRAN clarified that the system is designed not only to serve proprietary terminals but also to provide additional capacity for mobile network operators. No financial details related to the application have been disclosed.
This move follows a previous CRAN order directing Starlink to cease all operations in Namibia due to operating without a valid license, despite having submitted an application. The regulator had issued a cease-and-desist notice after finding Starlink was conducting activities contrary to licensing requirements.
The development aligns with Namibia’s ongoing efforts to explore satellite technology as a means to improve connectivity in remote and hard-to-reach areas. In June, CRAN CEO Emilia Nghikembua highlighted the limitations of terrestrial networks in covering vast regions such as agricultural perimeters, farmland, and isolated lodges, which cover over a million hectares. While approximately 91% of the population has some form of 2G, 3G, or 4G coverage, the country’s large geographic size and low population density leave the remaining 9% underserved.
Starlink’s entry is occurring amid rising competition in Namibia’s internet market, which has traditionally been dominated by operators like MTC and Telecom Namibia. Recently, Paratus launched a 4G mobile network after primarily offering fixed internet services. As of early 2025, Namibia had roughly 1.97 million internet subscribers, representing a penetration rate of 64.4%, according to DataReportal.
