Namibia has ordered Starlink to halt its operations in the country due to the lack of an operating license.
Namibia’s Communications Regulatory Authority (CRAN) announced that it had ordered Elon Musk’s satellite internet provider, Starlink, to halt its operations in the country due to the lack of an operating license.
SpaceX’s satellite division, Starlink, operates in several African countries but faces regulatory challenges and resistance from national telecommunications monopolies.
Starlink applied for a telecommunications service license in Namibia, but the regulatory body has not yet granted the license as the application is still under review.
In a statement, CRAN said, “Following an investigation, CRAN found that Starlink was operating a network in Namibia without the necessary telecommunications license.”
Confiscation of Illegal Terminals
“On November 26, 2024, the Authority issued a stop and desist order, instructing Starlink to immediately halt all operations in Namibia.”
SpaceX has not yet responded to the request for comment.
The regulatory body also warned the public not to purchase Starlink terminal equipment or subscribe to its services, as such activities are illegal in Namibia.
Investigators have confiscated illegal terminals belonging to consumers and have filed criminal charges with the Namibian police regarding this issue.
Earlier this year, Cameroon ordered the confiscation of Starlink equipment in its ports due to the lack of a license.
