Chamwe Kaira
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) has received overwhelming public support for Starlink’s application to operate in Namibia as it continues to assess the satellite internet provider’s licence request.
Cran said it received 1 180 written submissions by Friday, 12 December 2025.
Of these, 1 164 supported the application, while 16 opposed it. The regulator said both supportive and opposing submissions raised substantive issues that Starlink will need to address as part of the licensing process.
According to Cran, the feedback reflects wide public interest in Starlink’s potential impact on Namibia’s telecommunications sector and the future of internet connectivity in the country.
Cran is now consolidating all submissions. Once the process is complete, the compiled comments will be shared with Starlink, which will have 14 days to respond.
“Cran is currently in the process of consolidating all received comments. Once completed, the Authority will share the compiled feedback with Starlink, providing an opportunity for the company to respond directly to the public concerns and viewpoints within a period of 14 days after receiving the comments,” said Mufaro Nesongano, the executive for communication and consumer relations at Cran.
The regulator said it plans to announce its decision on the Starlink licence application by the end of the first quarter of 2026, after completing its review and considering public input.
Cran announced earlier this month that it gazetted Starlink’s telecommunications service and spectrum licence applications, submitted in June 2024, for public comment on 28 November.
The applications were published in Government Gazette 8795 under Notice Number 897.
Cran invited the public and stakeholders to submit written comments within 14 days, from 28 November to 12 December.
The authority said the publication allowed the public and stakeholders to review the application and submit feedback. Following the close of the consultation period, Cran will evaluate the application to ensure compliance with the Communications Act (No. 8 of 2009).
Cran said it will keep the public informed of further steps and remains committed to transparent and efficient regulatory processes.
Caption
Cran said it received a total of 1 180 written submissions for Starlink’s application to operate in Namibia.
- Photo: Contributed
