Frustration and anger are sweeping across Papua New Guinea following a government directive that has forced the shutdown of Starlink's satellite internet services, leaving thousands of users disconnected.
Government Order Halts Unlicensed Service
In mid-December, the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (Nicta) ordered Starlink, the satellite internet provider owned by Elon Musk's SpaceX, to cease all operations in the country. The authority stated the company was operating without the necessary legal licence.
Lume Polume, Nicta's acting chief executive, confirmed the action, stating, "Starlink is currently not licensed to operate in Papua New Guinea, and until the legal process is completed, services cannot be allowed."
The regulatory body is now awaiting a directive from either the ombudsman or the courts on whether to grant Starlink a licence, with no clear timeline provided for a resolution. Starlink itself has indicated to customers via email that it aims to provide service once official approvals are secured.
Widespread Impact on Remote Communities
While official user numbers are unavailable, telecommunications analysts estimate that thousands of people, including entire remote villages and districts, relied on Starlink terminals before the shutdown. The service was particularly vital in rural areas with unreliable or non-existent mobile networks, offering a cheaper alternative to other available satellite options.
The consequences of the blackout are severe and multifaceted:
- Businesses: Many report disrupted customer communications and an inability to process digital payments, forcing some farmers and traders to undertake long journeys to towns for basic banking services.
- Healthcare: Health worker Theresa Juni from East Sepik province explained that her clinic has lost its ability to quickly communicate with town-based doctors and send reports. "For patients who need urgent care, these delays can be dangerous," she said.
- Education: Teacher Simon Jack from the Southern Highlands highlighted the plight of students who now cannot check exam results or see where they have been selected for further study. "For many of them, Starlink was the only option that worked," he stated.
Public Outcry and Political Pressure
The decision has sparked significant public criticism. Businessman and former MP John Simon accused the government of ignoring the struggles of ordinary people and small businesses. "The PNG government must do something for the struggling small [businesses]. Ordinary people and small [businesses] rely on the cheapest and fastest option, and right now that is Starlink," he argued.
An online petition demanding Starlink be allowed to operate legally has garnered around 200 signatures. The country's communication minister has so far declined to comment on the escalating situation.
This is not the first licensing hurdle Starlink has faced in the Pacific region. In 2024, Tonga's government similarly ordered the company to halt operations until it was properly licensed, causing frustration among users still recovering from a major earthquake.
The ongoing standoff in Papua New Guinea underscores the critical role of affordable, reliable internet in modern development and the profound disruption caused when such a service is abruptly withdrawn.
