Editorial: Local Tech Companies Won. Now They Need to Deliver

It will be a tragedy if the debate around Starlink continues to be about billionaire Elon Musk and his company, while internet access across Namibia remains expensive, sub-par, out of reach and outdated.

This week, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia turned down Musk’s application to set up shop in Namibia.

The authority’s concerns centred on mandatory 51% Namibian ownership, national security, data sovereignty and unlawful operations in the country.

Namibia’s decision to not bow to the richest man on the planet drew applause both across the country and the continent.

Some felt blocking Starlink was necessary, including Mobile Telecommunications Limited, which objected to the application.

However, others felt it was a missed opportunity for Namibia to broaden internet coverage countrywide, especially in rural areas.

This is no time for local telecommunications companies to sit back and take it easy.

It is vital that they get to grips with the nuts and bolts of service delivery.

For years, telecommunications users have complained about poor connectivity and expensive communications services, while local companies make billions in profits every year.

In 2025, Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index said Namibia’s internet speed ranked 143rd out of 152 countries, with a median download rate of 13.72Mbps.

Namibia’s 2023 census reported that only 15% of Namibian households have access to home fixed internet connectivity, with the proportion among rural households a mere 5.1%.

Starlink is credited with helping shape internet access in remote areas across the world, but has divided global opinion.

At times it has used its dominance to the detriment of its customers and the countries in which it operates.

Musk, a divisive figure himself, has been accused of using the platform during geopolitical conflicts like the Ukraine war.

Musk has also not been shy about peddling false claims about white genocide in his country of birth, South Africa.

When the dust settles, the real measure of this Starlink decision is whether the outcome will serve all customers in the long run.

Namibia cannot compete in a world driven by artificial intelligence if it fails to provide basic internet access to its people.

The government must now deliver.

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