An announcement published in the official gazette of the Namibian government revealed that Starlink—the satellite internet provider owned by Elon Musk—has had its applications for a telecommunications license and access to radio frequency spectrum rejected.
The notice, dated March 23, did not specify the reasons behind the rejection. It added that Namibia’s communications regulatory authority may reconsider the decision “on its own initiative or upon petition by the affected party” within 90 days.
A spokesperson for the regulator said a formal statement would be issued later. According to Reuters, SpaceX, Starlink’s parent company, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Starlink currently operates in several African countries but has faced regulatory challenges in others, as well as resistance from state-backed telecommunications monopolies.
In November 2024, Namibia’s communications regulator ordered Starlink to cease operations in the country, citing that it was operating without a license. The authority also warned consumers against purchasing Starlink equipment and noted that it had confiscated illegal user terminals.