Musk’s Starlink has been told to stop working in Namibia

The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia told Elon Musk’s satellite internet company Starlink on Thursday that it had to stop doing business in the country because it didn’t have a license.

SpaceX’s satellite business, Starlink, works in some African countries but has had problems with the law and opposition from state-owned telecom companies in others.

Starlink applied for a broadband service license in Namibia, but the government has not yet given them the license because the application is being looked over.

“Following an investigation, CRAN has established that Starlink is operating a network within Namibia without the required telecommunications license,” a statement from CRAN said.

“On 26 November 2024, the Authority issued a cease-and-desist order to Starlink, instructing the company to immediately cease all operations in Namibia.”

A call for information from SpaceX did not get a response right away.
The regulator also told people that it is against the law in Namibia to buy Starlink gateway equipment or sign up for its services.

It also said that its agents had already taken illegal computers from customers and had filed criminal charges with the Namibian Police in this matter.

This year, Cameroon told ports to take back Starlink equipment that wasn’t approved.