Frustration is mounting across Papua New Guinea following a government directive that forced the satellite internet provider Starlink to cease its services nationwide. The shutdown, ordered in mid-December, has left a significant number of users, from remote villages to small businesses, without their primary source of affordable and reliable connectivity.
Licensing Dispute Halts Vital Service
The crisis began when the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (Nicta) intervened, stating that Starlink, owned by Elon Musk's SpaceX, was operating without the necessary legal permissions. Lume Polume, Nicta's acting chief executive, confirmed the position, declaring that services could not be permitted until the proper licensing process was completed.
"Starlink is currently not licensed to operate in Papua New Guinea, and until the legal process is completed, services cannot be allowed," Polume said. The authority is now awaiting a directive from either the ombudsman or the courts on whether a licence will be granted, with no clear timeline provided for a resolution.
Widespread Impact on Daily Life and Commerce
While official user numbers are unavailable, telecommunications analysts estimate that thousands of people relied on Starlink terminals before the shutdown. The service was particularly crucial in rural and remote regions where traditional mobile networks are unreliable or non-existent.
The consequences have been severe and far-reaching:
- Businesses report severe disruption to customer communications and digital payment processing.
- Farmers and traders are now forced to undertake long journeys to towns to access banking services.
- Health workers, like Theresa Juni from East Sepik province, say the loss of Starlink delays critical communication with urban doctors and endangers patients needing urgent care.
- Education has been hampered, with teachers like Simon Jack in the Southern Highlands noting students cannot check exam results or school placements online.
Calls for Government Action Grow Louder
Public anger is coalescing into action, with an online petition demanding Starlink be allowed to operate legally gathering around 200 signatures. Prominent voices are criticising the government's handling of the situation.
John Simon, a businessman and former MP, accused the authorities of ignoring the plight of ordinary citizens and small enterprises. "This is really bad for this country," he stated. "Internet and online services have been very expensive and slow for years, yet we cannot listen to the little people... The PNG government must do something for the struggling small businesses."
Starlink itself has communicated to customers via email, expressing its desire to provide service in Papua New Guinea once regulatory approvals are secured. The company did not respond to further requests for comment. This is not the first licensing hurdle Starlink has faced in the Pacific region; a similar situation occurred in Tonga in 2024, causing widespread user frustration.
The country's communication minister has declined to comment on the ongoing dispute, leaving affected users in a state of uncertainty as they await a legal resolution that could restore their vital digital lifeline.
