By Melvin Hosea Angula
Namibia stands at the threshold of a digital transformation as the country debates Starlink’s potential entry into its telecommunications market.
Social media discussions highlight contrasting views, from claims that “MTC and TN are expensive, and we need Starlink for competition,” to “Starlink should be allowed to operate without regulation.”
Others argue that CRAN is protecting state-owned entities like MTC and Telecom Namibia (TN) by enforcing licensing. These debates reveal a critical need for clarity on the economic and social impact of Starlink in Namibia. This article explores why Starlink must secure a license before operating, addressing affordability, access, regulatory implications, and competition.
Namibia’s ICT sector is regulated by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), which ensures fair competition, affordability, and universal access.
These priorities align with SADC guidelines for Universal Access and Service (UAS), which emphasize equitable connectivity for underserved areas. Starlink’s operational model, which bypasses terrestrial infrastructure via low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites, challenges the traditional regulatory oversight.
ICT Licensing is essential to:
- Integrate Starlink into Namibia’s spectrum allocation and UAS frameworks.
- Enforce consumer protection, affordability, and service transparency.
- Require contributions to the Universal Service Fund (USF), which supports rural ICT infrastructure.
Without a license, Starlink risks operating outside Namibia’s legal framework, potentially undermining fair competition and public interest.
Starlink’s promise of high-speed connectivity comes with a high cost: US$ 600 for hardware and US$43 monthly for subscriptions.
These prices are unaffordable for most Namibians, especially rural and low-income households. And the model used by Starlink is that you are charged to your credit/debit card. In contrast, state-owned providers MTC and TN offer regulated services tailored to local incomes and subsidized packages for rural users.
While Starlink could bridge connectivity gaps in remote areas, its pricing model limits its impact to only attract high income-earning households and businesses.
Solutions such as tiered pricing, community access points, and government subsidies through the USF could make Starlink accessible to underserved populations. However, until affordability is addressed, existing providers will remain the primary choice for most Namibians.
Namibia’s rural areas, such as Kunene and Kavango West, suffer from poor broadband coverage due to the high cost of terrestrial infrastructure deployment. Starlink offers a scalable solution, capable of providing reliable internet in these regions. This aligns with Namibia’s UAS goals, aiming to connect underserved areas.
However, the high costs of Starlink hardware and subscriptions remain a barrier. Shared access models, such as community Wi-Fi hubs, could distribute costs across multiple users, enhancing affordability. Partnerships with local governments and NGOs could also amplify Starlink’s impact, ensuring its availability aligns with Namibia’s socio-economic priorities.
Starlink’s independent operations present risks to national security and data sovereignty, as evident in the Russia-Ukraine war on how Starlink has been weaponised by Ukraine.
Its ability to bypass terrestrial infrastructure complicates Namibia’s capacity to monitor communications, raising concerns about unauthorized use and cybersecurity vulnerabilities. To address these challenges, Namibia must:
- Require local data centres to ensure compliance with data protection and safeguard user privacy.
- Mandate regulatory frameworks that integrate Starlink’s operations into Namibia’s national security framework.
- Implement geofencing to restrict Starlink’s functionality in sensitive areas such as border regions and military zones.
Such measures would align Starlink’s operations with Namibia’s security priorities while protecting the integrity of its digital ecosystem.
Namibia’s telecommunications market is dominated by MTC and TN, which control over 90% of active SIM cards and revenue. Starlink’s entry has the potential to disrupt this duopoly by introducing advanced technology and fostering competition.
However, unregulated competition could destabilize the market, disadvantaging local providers.
Licensing Starlink ensures a level playing field, requiring the satellite provider to adhere to the same regulations as local operators. Collaboration with incumbents, such as infrastructure sharing, could reduce costs while maintaining competitive balance.
This approach benefits consumers by enhancing service quality and affordability without undermining existing players.
Starlink represents an opportunity for Namibia to expand connectivity and bridge the digital divide. However, its success depends on responsible integration into the existing regulatory framework through collaboration with CRAN, local providers, and community stakeholders.
Licensing Starlink is not a hindrance but a necessary step to ensure accountability, affordability, and alignment with national priorities.
*Melvin Hosea Angula is a seasoned executive leader with over 16 years of diverse experience across the telecommunications, financial services, and business strategy landscapes. As the current Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Letshego Micro Financial Services Namibia (LMFSN), Melvin is driving the organization’s vision to champion financial inclusion, innovate micro-financing solutions, and empower individuals and communities through access to affordable financial services.
