Uganda Grants Starlink Licence, Namibia Keeps Strict Ownership Rule
By TUW
Uganda has officially granted Starlink a licence to operate in the country, paving the way for the satellite internet provider to begin offering services aimed at improving connectivity, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
The Uganda Communications Commission confirmed that the approval follows a period of negotiations in which Starlink agreed to comply with the country’s telecommunications regulations and licensing conditions. The development marks a significant policy shift after earlier restrictions that had limited the import and use of Starlink equipment due to regulatory uncertainty.
Authorities had previously blocked or delayed the clearance of Starlink terminals, citing the need to align the service with national communications frameworks. The latest decision now positions Uganda among a growing number of African countries opening their markets to satellite-based internet services.
Starlink, operated by SpaceX, is widely viewed as a transformative technology for Africa’s digital landscape, offering high-speed internet to areas where traditional fibre and mobile networks are either weak or unavailable. However, its expansion across the continent continues to face challenges, including licensing requirements, pricing concerns, and national regulatory policies.
In Namibia, the rollout of Starlink remains uncertain. The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has not yet approved the service for operation in the country, citing regulatory compliance issues, including local ownership requirements under existing telecommunications laws.
However, following its initial attempt to secure approval, Starlink has reportedly reapplied for a licence. Namibia’s regulatory framework requires at least 50% local ownership for telecommunications operations, a condition that remains a key sticking point in the approval process.
This means that while Uganda has moved ahead with approval, Namibia is still reviewing its position as part of broader discussions on how to regulate emerging satellite internet services. The issue has drawn attention, especially in rural areas where connectivity gaps remain a major challenge for education, business, and public services.
The contrasting decisions between countries like Uganda and Namibia highlight the evolving nature of internet regulation across Africa. Governments are increasingly weighing the benefits of improved connectivity against the need to protect local industry rules and ensure compliance with national frameworks.
As demand for reliable internet continues to grow, satellite technology such as Starlink is expected to remain at the centre of policy discussions across the continent, including in Namibia where the debate over licensing is still ongoing.
