Starlink licence application – feedback invited
- Nicole Schwandt
- Dec 8, 2025
- 2 min read
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) wishes to inform the public, and all interested stakeholders about the status of the telecommunications service licence and spectrum licence applications submitted by Starlink in June 2024. The application has been published in Government Gazette 8795 No. 897 for public comment on 28 November 2025.
The public and all stakeholders are invited to submit written comments within 14 days from 28 November 2025. The commenting period will therefore lapse on Friday, 12 December 2025.
“This publication marks a critical step in the licensing process, enabling stakeholders and the public to review the application details and submit feedback,” stated CRAN. Once the comments have been received, CRAN will consider the application in full and evaluate it against the licensing criteria set out in section 39 of the Communications Act and licensing regulations.
These include scrutiny of ownership structures, technical and financial capabilities, confidentiality and neutrality of the service, standards and specifications, and network provisions relating to national defence, public security and fair competition. “We clarify that the outcome of the ownership application has been received from the Minister of ICT and, in terms of the law, the full licence applications must now be assessed against all applicable criteria, including ownership,” added CRAN.
Following the public consultation period, CRAN will undertake a thorough evaluation of all aspects of the application to ensure full compliance with the licensing criteria under the Communications Act (No. 8 of 2009). The Authority will keep the public informed of the next steps once the commenting period has closed. “Moreover, CRAN remains committed to transparent and efficient regulatory processes. The Authority will continue to keep the public informed on the progress and final outcome of the Starlink licensing application,” concluded Mr. Nesongano, PRO of CRAN.
The NAU has engaged with CRAN on a number of occasions regarding urgent challenges with connectivity and supports the approval of an extra-terrestrial network, providing affordable, extensive and reliable connectivity to rural areas. This is an urgent necessity for Namibia. Starlink is already available in many African countries, boosting development, education, health options, security and advancing technologies – Namibia cannot afford to be left out of this progress. Modern agriculture is technologically driven and technology is driven by connectivity. In order to fulfil NDP6 goals, extensive and reliable connectivity is an absolute necessity.
Members are encouraged to submit written comments to CRAN before the closing date.
We include a sample letter which may be used in support of the Starlink application to be approved. Written submissions and reply comments must be made either physically or electronically:
- by hand to the CRAN offices, Freedom Plaza, Courtside Building (3rd and 4th Floors), c/o Fidel Castro and Rev. Michael Scott Streets, Windhoek;
- or by electronic mail to [email protected]
Please include a copy to the [email protected] address.
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