Over the past few months, Namibia has seen renewed debate about whether Starlink — the satellite internet service developed by Elon Musk — should be allowed to operate legally in our country. As someone who has written extensively about consumer rights, digital equality, and regulatory fairness, I want to break down what this means for ordinary Namibians and why the discussion is more complicated than it looks.
Recent Developments: CRAN, Licensing, and Public Debate
Several important developments have shaped the current Starlink conversation:
CRAN has ordered Starlink to stop all operations, claiming the company is operating without a required telecommunications licence.
Equipment has been confiscated, and criminal cases opened against individuals using unlicensed Starlink terminals.
Starlink has submitted a licence application, but approval is still pending.
Concerns over ownership rules have emerged, with the Ministry of ICT reviewing whether Starlink meets local-ownership requirements for telecom operators.
Public participation is coming: CRAN announced that Starlink’s licence application will be published for public review.
These events are not just regulatory formalities — they affect consumers directly.
Why Many Consumers Support Starlink’s Entry
1. Coverage for Rural and Remote Areas
Namibia’s size makes traditional broadband expansion slow and expensive. Starlink’s satellite-based system can reach clinics, farms, tourist lodges, and communities that fibre or towers may never reach.
Technology expert Paul Rowney recently highlighted that Starlink’s low-latency, high-speed service could drastically improve connectivity in rural Namibia.
2. Healthy Competition
Starlink doesn’t necessarily replace local ISPs like MTC or Telecom Namibia — instead, it introduces new competition that may push everyone to improve service quality and prices.
3. Development Boost
Connectivity is a multiplier:
Remote learning improves
Tourism operators benefit
SMEs can operate more efficiently
Farmers and health facilities can access real-time services
This aligns strongly with themes I’ve championed in previous blogs: digital access drives national progress.
4. No Infrastructure Burden on Government
Starlink uses its own satellite network, meaning Namibia doesn’t have to build new infrastructure to benefit. Rowney even suggested running a two-year trial to measure real impact with minimal risk.
But There Are Valid Concerns
1. Regulatory Fairness
Local ISPs must meet strict rules on taxes, employment, infrastructure and service obligations. Allowing Starlink to bypass these could create unfair competition.
2. Ownership Requirements
Namibian telecom law requires a level of local ownership or participation. Government reviews show Starlink’s proposed structure may not yet meet this requirement.
3. Consumer Legal Risks
Right now, using Starlink equipment is illegal under CRAN regulations. Consumers could face confiscations or cases until licensing is settled.
4. Pricing Sustainability
While early adopters are excited, long-term affordability is still uncertain. Terminal costs and monthly fees could lock out low-income users.
My Position as a Consumer and Citizen
Based on the facts, the best path forward is:
✔ Approve Starlink — with conditions
Regulatory approval should be transparent, fair and include consumer protections.
✔ Implement a trial rollout
A pilot in remote areas would show the real benefits before full national approval.
✔ Educate consumers
CRAN and the Ministry should run an awareness campaign so people understand the legal status and risks.
✔ Encourage partnerships
Local ISPs could partner with Starlink for rural expansion or back-up connectivity.
Why This Matters for Namibia’s Future
My earlier blog posts champion three themes: digital equity, consumer protection, and national development.
The Starlink debate touches all three.
Digital equity: rural and low-income Namibians deserve reliable internet
Consumer protection: rules must be clear and fair for everyone
National development: Namibia’s growth depends on modern digital infrastructure
Approving Starlink responsibly could be a major step toward closing our digital divide.
Final Word
Starlink’s entry into Namibia has the potential to transform connectivity — but only if done right. As the public review process begins, consumers should speak up, ask questions, and demand transparency.
I’ll continue analysing developments as they unfold. For now, the most important thing is that Namibian consumers are informed, aware, and part of the decision-making process.
