Since the public and relevant stakeholders have shared their opinions on the application by Elon Musk’s Starlink to operate in Namibia, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) expects the official decision to be announced by the end of March this year. Starlink is Musk’s satellite internet network operated by SpaceX, which is designed to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband internet globally, particularly in remote and rural areas.

A CRAN spokesperson this week said the decision on the Starlink licence application, which has reportedly received strong public support, is expected to be shared by the end of Q1 2026. The primary delay in Starlink’s application involves Namibia’s legal requirement that telecommunications licensees have 51% domestic ownership. However, Starlink is seeking an exemption from Namibia’s ownership requirements, citing what it calls crucial time delays emanating from complicated ownership requirements.

During December last year CRAN stated that the Starlink application is still under consideration, and that most of the submissions received were in favour of Musk’s telecommunications company. CRAN also note that by 12 December 2025, it had received 1 180 written submissions from the public.

Out of the 1 180 submissions, 1 164 were in support of the Starlink application. Only 16 submissions were against it. 

“CRAN is currently in the process of consolidating all received comments. Once completed, the Authority will share the compiled feedback with Starlink, providing an opportunity for the company to respond directly to the public concerns and viewpoints within a period of 14 days after receiving the comments,” CRAN stated. 

– ebrandt@nepc.com.na