Namibia issues Elon Musk’s Starlink ‘cease-and-desist’ order for operating without license

The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia has issued a cease-and-desist order to Elon Musk’s satellite internet provider, Starlink, for operating in the country without a license.

Starlink, the satellite unit of SpaceX, operates in several African countries including Nigeria but has faced regulatory challenges in others.

According to a report by Reuters, Starlink submitted an application for a telecommunications service license in Namibia, however, the regulator has not issued the license as the application is under review.

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

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

The regulator also advised the public not to purchase Starlink terminal equipment or subscribe to its services, as such activities are illegal in Namibia.