Windhoek: The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) received 625 reconsideration applications on Monday regarding its decision to decline the licence application of satellite internet provider Starlink Internet Services Namibia (Pty) Ltd. CRAN reported that 624 applications were submitted by members of the public and other interested stakeholders, with Starlink Internet Services Namibia (Pty) Ltd also filing its own reconsideration application on the same day.According to Namibia Press Agency, CRAN Executive for Communication and Consumer Relations, Mufaro Nesongano, stated in a press release that the authority would process all applications in accordance with the Communications Act and applicable regulatory procedures. Nesongano assured stakeholders that all reconsideration applications received would be handled through the established legal and regulatory processes.In March, CRAN declined Starlink's applications for a Class Comprehensive Telecommunications Service Licence, which covers e lectronic communications services and network services, as well as a spectrum licence for satellite services. The decision, published in the Government Gazette on 23 March 2026, followed an assessment in which CRAN found that Starlink met only three of the six criteria required by law.Starlink failed to comply with Section 46 of the Communications Act, which mandates that telecommunications service licence holders maintain at least 51 percent Namibian ownership. As a wholly foreign-owned entity, Starlink had not sought an exemption from this requirement. CRAN also cited concerns about national security, regulatory oversight, and compliance issues, including allegations of operating without a valid licence.The decision attracted significant public interest. During the public consultation process preceding CRAN's ruling, the regulator received 1,164 submissions supporting Starlink's application and 16 opposing it. After the March ruling, Starlink described the outcome as 'disappointing' and encouraged the p ublic to file reconsideration petitions, noting that Namibia's regulatory framework under Section 31 of the Communications Act permitted aggrieved parties to petition for reconsideration within 90 days of the decision.CRAN indicated it would communicate further upon the conclusion of the reconsideration process.