Namibia orders Starlink to halt operations over unlicensed service

• Published On: 30 November 2024 at 20:16

On Thursday, Namibia's Communications Regulatory Authority issued a cease-and-desist order to Elon Musk's satellite internet provider, Starlink, for operating in the country without a valid license.

Starlink, a SpaceX subsidiary, delivers satellite internet in various African countries, although it has encountered legislative challenges in some areas, as well as pushback from state-run telecom monopolies.

Starlink has submitted an application for a telecommunications service license in Namibia, but the authority has yet to accept it since it is being reviewed.

"Following an investigation, CRAN has found that Starlink is operating a network within Namibia without the required telecommunications license," the regulatory organization stated in a statement. "On 26 November 2024, the Authority issued a cease-and-desist order, instructing Starlink to immediately halt all operations in Namibia."

In response to the illicit actions, CRAN recommended the public to avoid acquiring Starlink terminal equipment or subscribing to its services, as both are now prohibited in the country.

The regulator claimed that its investigators had previously seized unlawful Starlink terminals from customers and filed criminal charges with the Namibian police.

Cameroon took similar action earlier this year, ordering the seizure of Starlink equipment at its ports due to a lack of a valid license.