Hertta-Maria Amutenja
Farmers are calling on the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) and other stakeholders to fast-track the approval of Starlink services in the country to address the country’s persistent internet challenges, particularly in rural areas.
Farmer Peet van Staden started an online petition for rural communities between Karasburg and Aroab, out on the D612, requesting that the process to approve Starlink be conducted transparently and equitably to ensure timely implementation.
“Reliable, high-speed internet is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity for education, healthcare, business, and overall social development,” reads the petition.
The farmers also makes the case that internet connectivity is crucial for promoting economic growth and guaranteeing that no Namibian falls behind in the digital era.
“The availability of Starlink will not only support Namibia’s digital development goals but also connect every citizen, regardless of their location, to a brighter and more connected future,” it reads.
To ensure timely implementation, the petition calls for a transparent and equitable approval process.
It describes Starlink as a transformative solution that could significantly improve internet accessibility and service quality in Namibia.
It further highlights Starlink’s potential to bridge the digital divide, empower underserved communities, and foster economic growth.
Namibia has faced connectivity issues, with rural communities such as farmers in the south struggling to access affordable and reliable internet.
“We are thousands of farmers in the south who have to manage without the internet. The service is poor and unaffordable. Nowadays, everything needs to be done online, from NAMLITS to taxes and banking,” one farmer commented.
Economic analysts have previously highlighted the potential disruption Starlink could cause in Namibia’s telecommunications sector.
“It will definitely take a substantial amount of market share from the two giants because Starlink has more advanced and high-tech product propositions,” analyst Mally Likukela noted last year.
He added that Starlink could offer services at lower costs due to economies of scale.
While acknowledging the competitive threat, Likukela said Namibian telecom companies could benefit from technology transfer opportunities.
Last November, CRAN issued a cease-and-desist order against Starlink, citing the company’s lack of a telecommunications licence. Emilia Nghikembua, the CEO of CRAN, expressed the regulator’s commitment to upholding the Communications Act for fair competition and consumer protection.
“Starlink must comply with the licensing process before operating in our country,” Nghikembua said.
CRAN has opened criminal cases and confiscated Starlink equipment from consumers who had begun using the service illegally. Nghikembua further warned that importing or using Starlink services remains a contravention of the Communications Act.
CRAN confirmed last year that Starlink had submitted a licence application, but the review process is still ongoing.
