The recent publication of Starlink’s licence application in the Government Gazette marks another major step in the long-running debate over satellite internet in Namibia. 

For many citizens, particularly those in remote areas, the news has been met with excitement and renewed hope. Across the country, communities continue to struggle with weak or unreliable connectivity, and for them, Starlink appears to offer a revolutionary solution. 

But as Namibia moves closer to a decision, it is important to approach the discussion with realism, not optimism alone. 

A Promising Technology for a Widely Disconnected Country 

Namibia’s vast geography and low population density pose clear challenges for traditional telecommunications. Fibre networks and mobile towers are expensive to deploy across long distances and rugged terrain. As a result, rural communities, conservancies, farms , and tourism establishments, especially those managed by Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR), continue to rely on unstable or slow connections. 

In these areas, Starlink’s low earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology could provide what ground networks have failed to consistently deliver: 

. Reliable high-speed internet 

. Lower latency than traditional satel lite services 

. Coverage that is not limited by terrain or distance 

This connectivity could benefit tourism operators, rural entrepreneurs, schools, clinics, conservation programmes, and communi ty-bas ed tourism ventures. 

For the tourism industry in particular, one of Namibia’s key economic pillars, stable internet has become essential for bookings, digital payments, emergency communication, and international marketing. If implemented well, Starlink could strengthen Namibia’s competitiveness in this sector. 

But Affordability Remains a Harsh Reality 

As encouraging as Starlink sounds, the service is far from universally affordability. Experiences from other African countries show that Starlink remains a premium product. 

The cost of the hardware kit, combined with monthly subscription fees, places the service beyond reach for many low-income and rural households. 

. In Africa, the uptake so far has been highest among: 

. Medium and high-income earners 

. SMEs 

. Lodges and tourism establishments 

. Urban professionals 

This raises an uncomfortable but necessary question: Can Starlink truly close Namibia’s digital divide if the poorest remain excluded from the start? 

Unless consumer protection, subsidies, or rural affordability guidelines are explored, Starlink risks benefitting only a narrow portion of society while reinforcing existing inequalities. 

A Lesson from South Africa: Regulation Matters 

Namibia is not the first nation to weigh the benefits and risks of Starlink. South Africa has, for years, declined to license Starlink because of legal requirements around local ownership. Their regulatory frameworks require telecom operators to ensure a degree of local participation and compliance with national policies. 

This demonstrates a critical point: 

Technology alone cannot determine the future of a nation’s digital ecosystem, regulation and public interest must guide it. 

Namibia must take similar care to protect its sovereignty, promote fair competition, and encourage local involvement in the industry. 

Where does Starlink Work in the region 

Several SADC countries have already allowed Starlink and similar satellite services to operate legally. In these markets, the technology has proved effective in remote or infrastructure-poor regions. 

It has also expanded internet options for SMEs and tourism businesses. However, even in those countries, widespread community adoption is limited because of cost. The service remains more beneficial to businesses and higher-income users than to low-income communities. Connectivity may improve, but the digital gap does not always shrink. 

Namibia’s Decision Must Be Evidence-Based and People- Centred 

With Starlink’s licence application now gazetted, Namibians and stakeholders have a legal window to voice concerns or support. This is not a mere administrative step, it is an opportunity to shape the country’s digital future. 

Government, regulators, and the public must consider the following key factors:

1. Affordability 

Will rural and low-income households be able to access the service? 

2. Consumer Protection 

What guarantees exist regarding service reliability, local support, repairs, and recourse in case of disputes? 

3. National Interest 

How will Namibia ensure that its telecom ecosystem, data sovereignty, and local businesses remain protected? 

4. Equity 

Does the service support national development goals, including access for all regions? 

5. Sustainability 

Will Starlink partners create local jobs, skills transfer, or infrastructure investment? 

These are not ant i-innovation questions, they are necessary questions. 

Call to Action: Participate in the Consultation 

CRAN’s Gazette notice invites the public to submit written comments. This is where Namibians must raise their voices. 

. Rural leaders 

. Tourism operators 

. ICT professionals 

. SMEs 

. Civil society 

. Educators and youth 

. Community – based organisations 

They all have a stake in the outcome. Namibia cannot afford to rush into a future shaped by foreign technology without ensuring that it aligns with our national development priorities. 

Starlink offers genuine promise for connecting the most remote parts of our country. But without careful regulation, affordability considerations, and public involvement, this promise could remain accessible only to a privileged few. 

Namibia must welcome innovation, but with open eyes. The goal must not be fast internet for some; it must be equal digital opportunity for all.