Musk’s Starlink ordered to stop operations in Namibia

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia stated on Thursday it has issued a cease-and-desist order to Elon Musk’s satellite tv for pc web supplier Starlink for working within the nation and not using a license.

Starlink, the satellite tv for pc unit of SpaceX, operates in a number of African international locations however has confronted regulatory challenges in others and resistance from state telecom monopolies.

Starlink has submitted an utility for a telecommunications service license in Namibia, nevertheless the regulator has not issued the license as the appliance is below evaluate.

“Following an investigation, CRAN has established that Starlink is working a community inside Namibia with out the required telecommunications license,” CRAN stated in an announcement.

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

SpaceX didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.

The regulator additionally suggested the general public to not buy Starlink terminal gear or subscribe to its companies, as such actions are unlawful in Namibia.

Its investigators have already confiscated unlawful terminals from shoppers and have opened prison circumstances with the Namibian Police on this regard, it added.

Earlier this yr, Cameroon ordered the seizure of Starlink gear at ports because it was not licensed.