NAIRAMETRICS
The government of Namibia has directed Starlink, the satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk, to halt its operations in the country with immediate effect.
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) stated that Starlink is operating without the required telecommunications license, rendering its activities illegal.
In a statement, CRAN cautioned the public against purchasing Starlink terminal equipment or subscribing to its services.
The regulator disclosed that investigators had confiscated illegal Starlink terminals from users and filed criminal cases with the Namibian police.
“The public is hereby advised not to purchase Starlink terminal equipment or subscribe to its services, as such activities are illegal,” CRAN said.
The decision comes at a time when demand for Starlink services in sub-Saharan Africa is surging. Local internet providers often face challenges in delivering fast and reliable broadband, particularly in remote areas far from urban centers.
In Namibia, a country with a population of 2.6 million and vast rural areas, connectivity remains a pressing issue.
Neighboring countries like Angola and South Africa have expressed interest in Starlink’s services, with South Africa reportedly in discussions about potential operations. Kenya’s largest telecom operator, Safaricom Plc, has also indicated it is in talks with Starlink.
