The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) says Starlink Internet Services Namibia has not submitted a request for reconsideration following the rejection of its telecommunications and spectrum licence applications, despite the regulator receiving 624 petitions challenging the decision.
CRAN Executive for Communication and Consumer Relations, Mufaro Nesongano, said all 624 reconsideration applications were submitted by members of the public and other interested stakeholders after the regulator declined Starlink Namibia’s licence applications in March 2026.
“We also clarify that no application for reconsideration has been received from Starlink Internet Services Namibia (Pty) Ltd itself, only from members of the public aggrieved by the decision,” said Nesongano.
He said the regulator would assess all submissions in accordance with the Communications Act and established regulatory procedures.
“CRAN acknowledges the public interest in this matter and wishes to assure all stakeholders that the reconsideration applications received will be handled through the established legal and regulatory processes,” he said.
CRAN rejected Starlink Namibia’s application for a Class Comprehensive Telecommunications Service Licence, covering electronic communications services (ECS) and electronic communications network services (ECNS), as well as an associated spectrum licence for satellite services.
The decision was published in the Government Gazette on 23 March 2026.
“The Authority resolved to decline the award of a Class Comprehensive Telecommunications Service Licence (ECS and ECNS) to Starlink Internet Services Namibia (Pty) Ltd. The Authority further resolved to decline the award of a Spectrum Licence for the provision of satellite services,” the Gazette notice stated.
According to the application documents, Starlink Internet Services Namibia was incorporated in the United States and did not include Namibian shareholding or locally controlled ownership structures.
The proposed service would have used designated radio frequency bands to provide fixed satellite communications services across Namibia.
CRAN noted that Section 31 of the Communications Act allows the Authority to reconsider a licensing decision within 90 days, either on its own initiative or following a petition from an aggrieved party.
Nesongano said further communication would be issued once the reconsideration process had been completed.
