Starlink for Namibia

More than 30% of Namibians still lack access to the internet. For those who do have access, particularly the 70% of Namibians living in rural areas, reliability and speed remain major challenges. Namibia has some of the slowest fixed broadband speeds in the world.

This digital divide is stifling growth across the country. Students are missing out on learning opportunities, farmers lack access to crucial real-time data, and small businesses are unable to participate fully in the global marketplace. The cost of this divide is staggering. Research suggests that increased connectivity can:

• Reduce extreme poverty by 10%;
• Increase GDP by multiple percentage points; and
• Increase the likelihood of individual employment by up to 13%.

Bridging the divide

Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet constellation with over 9 000 satellites in orbit, delivers high-speed, low-latency internet (50–400 Mbps download) to every part of the globe. Once authorised in Namibia, Starlink will ensure that internet access becomes an option for:

• The estimated 65% of Namibian schools that lack reliable internet access;
• The estimated 80% of Namibian health facilities that have 3G coverage or less; and
• The more than one million Namibians who remain offline, particularly in rural areas.

Beyond its rapid impact on individuals, businesses and government facilities, Starlink’s satellite network can also provide reliable communication during emergencies, when terrestrial networks may be compromised - a critical advantage for a country prone to natural disasters such as floods and droughts.

The impact of Starlink in Africa

We are proud of the impact Starlink is making in communities around the world. The service is currently active in 27 countries across the African continent.

Below are examples of Starlink’s impact in Southern Africa:

Zambia – Health facilities

Over 600 facilities connected, enabling national digital health systems, reducing waiting times by 41%, and digitising more than 17 million records.

Mozambique – Schools

More than 300 schools are connected, providing access to online learning tools in rural areas.

Botswana – Ground stations and national digital transformation

Regional infrastructure supporting low-latency connectivity across Southern Africa. Provision of 150 kits and reduced-price services in support of SmartBots, Botswana’s national digital transformation initiative, which provides free public Wi-Fi in more than 1,100 locations, connects villages to broadband, and digitises government services.

Addressing common misconceptions

There are several common misconceptions about Starlink. Below, some are addressed.

Myth: Starlink will not be a local provider with a presence in Namibia.

Fact: Starlink has established a local company in Namibia. Starlink Namibia will be subject to the same laws, pay the same taxes and regulatory fees, and be required to comply with Namibian law, just like any other company operating in the country.

Myth: Starlink will not create jobs or generate positive economic impact in Namibia.

Fact: Starlink’s entry into Namibia offers significant opportunities for local businesses and economic growth. The company plans to partner with local resellers and retailers, creating new business opportunities and employment prospects within the community. By working with local entities for equipment sales and backhaul opportunities, Starlink will contribute directly to the local economy and support local businesses over the long term. Starlink Namibia aims to partner with local companies, both large and small, to expand access and create employment opportunities.

Myth: Starlink will become a monopoly and negatively impact the consumer market.

Fact: Starlink complements existing operators, as it is ideally suited to rural areas where deployment costs are typically prohibitive for traditional providers. It delivers high-speed internet in underserved regions where infrastructure rollout has not been cost-effective. As such, Starlink plays a complementary role, helping to bridge the digital divide and expand access to meaningful, affordable connectivity. Starlink is live in 160 markets, where more than three billion people could potentially access the service. Today, Starlink has over ten million customers globally. Existing operators remain the primary internet service providers worldwide.

Myth: Starlink poses a risk to national sovereignty or data security.

Fact: Like all local providers, Starlink Namibia will be subject to national laws governing privacy, security and the protection of national interests. To operate in the country, it must comply fully with these laws. As in the 160 markets where Starlink currently operates, Starlink Namibia is committed to working within the legal framework and cooperating with the Namibian government.

Myth: Starlink will discontinue service in Namibia for non-technical reasons.

Fact: Contrary to inaccurate reporting, Starlink has never discontinued internet access in any market unless legally required to do so. The company is pursuing licences to provide services to Namibian users and to build a sustainable business. Starlink has no incentive to prevent customers from accessing the internet.