Namibia Wetlands Route calls for Starlink to boost tourism amid poor internet connectivity

Namibia endangers its standing in tourism without any reliable and affordable internet connectivity
An undated image of Starlink with Elon Musks photo in the background. — Shutterstock
An undated image of Starlink with Elon Musk's photo in the background. — Shutterstock

Namibia Wetlands Route members in the Zambezi region have called for Starlink operations across the country, due to inconsistent internet connection in the underserved areas of the country. 

Namibia Wetlands Route chairman Simone Micheletti highlighted the challenges faced by the citizens due to unreliable internet connection, which is causing significant customer loss, as dissatisfied guests complain to tour agents, who avoid booking local lodges due to poor internet connection. 

He further outlined that neighbouring countries including Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, offer seamless and reliable Starlink services. 

Tourism and security at risk

Micheletti underscored the significance of a consistent internet service for cloud-based operations, secure transactions and remote system management. Numerous lodges require CCTV surveillance due to escalating crime rates, but unstable connectivity puts them at risk of vulnerability. 

He further criticised the local internet providers for increased prices and unstable service quality, emphasising the need for Starlink or similar alternatives for increased tourism. 

Starlink’s application still pending

Starlink offers broadband through 5,500+ satellites. However, in December, Namibia’s Communications Regulatory Authority (Cran) directed the global internet service provider to halt operations due to illegal service provision. 

Cran CEO Emilia Nghikembua confirmed that Starlink’s application is currently being reviewed, but Namibia’s Communications Act limits foreign ownership in telecom providers to 49%, before obtaining permission. 

Nghikembua stated: “The minister may authorize ownership exceptions in advance. Once compliance with Section 46 of the Act is resolved, Cran will proceed with Starlink’s application.”

Businesses continue to push for enhanced approval, warning that Namibia endangers its standing in tourism without any reliable and affordable internet connectivity.