Namibia has dealt Elon Musk’s Starlink another regulatory blow, dismissing an attempt by the satellite internet provider to overturn the rejection of its licence applications and reinforcing its position that the company does not meet local ownership requirements.
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) said on Monday that it had rejected requests to reconsider its March decision denying Starlink a telecommunications service licence and radio spectrum licence.
According to the regulator, Starlink remains non-compliant with ownership and control provisions contained in Namibia’s Communications Act, leaving the company unable to legally launch services in the country.
Unlike many African countries that have welcomed the satellite internet provider, Namibian authorities have repeatedly insisted that the company must comply with local ownership requirements before receiving operating licences.
CRAN also noted that Starlink’s reconsideration request was submitted after the statutory deadline of April 23, further weakening its case.
