Papua New Guinea is facing growing discontent over the government's order to shut down Starlink, a satellite internet company owned by Elon Musk's SpaceX. Weeks have passed since the shutdown, and businesses, health providers, and communities are struggling without access to internet services.
The National Information and Communications Technology Authority (Nicta) had ordered Starlink to halt operations in mid-December, citing that it was not licensed in PNG. Nicta's acting chief executive, Lume Polume, said that the company is currently not authorized to operate in Papua New Guinea until the legal process is completed.
However, the shutdown has left thousands of people without access to internet services, particularly in rural areas where mobile networks are unreliable or non-existent. The service was a lifeline for many, providing them with fast and affordable internet connectivity. Now, business owners, health workers, and teachers are facing significant challenges due to the loss of this vital connection.
Frustration is mounting, with over 200 people signing an online petition calling for Starlink to be allowed to operate legally. The country's communication minister declined to comment on the matter.
Local communities are feeling the effects of the shutdown, with many farmers and traders having to travel long distances to access basic services like banking and healthcare information. Students are also being affected, as they rely on internet connectivity to check their results and access educational resources.
Health workers have expressed concerns about the impact of the shutdown on patient care, citing delays in sending reports and accessing medical information that can be life-saving.
The situation echoes previous instances where Starlink has faced licensing issues in the Pacific. In 2024, Tonga's government ordered the company to cease operations until it was granted a licence. The experience highlights the challenges of providing internet services to remote communities and the need for governments to balance regulation with access to vital resources.
As the situation continues to unfold, many are calling on the PNG government to reconsider its decision and find a solution that balances regulation with community needs.
The National Information and Communications Technology Authority (Nicta) had ordered Starlink to halt operations in mid-December, citing that it was not licensed in PNG. Nicta's acting chief executive, Lume Polume, said that the company is currently not authorized to operate in Papua New Guinea until the legal process is completed.
However, the shutdown has left thousands of people without access to internet services, particularly in rural areas where mobile networks are unreliable or non-existent. The service was a lifeline for many, providing them with fast and affordable internet connectivity. Now, business owners, health workers, and teachers are facing significant challenges due to the loss of this vital connection.
Frustration is mounting, with over 200 people signing an online petition calling for Starlink to be allowed to operate legally. The country's communication minister declined to comment on the matter.
Local communities are feeling the effects of the shutdown, with many farmers and traders having to travel long distances to access basic services like banking and healthcare information. Students are also being affected, as they rely on internet connectivity to check their results and access educational resources.
Health workers have expressed concerns about the impact of the shutdown on patient care, citing delays in sending reports and accessing medical information that can be life-saving.
The situation echoes previous instances where Starlink has faced licensing issues in the Pacific. In 2024, Tonga's government ordered the company to cease operations until it was granted a licence. The experience highlights the challenges of providing internet services to remote communities and the need for governments to balance regulation with access to vital resources.
As the situation continues to unfold, many are calling on the PNG government to reconsider its decision and find a solution that balances regulation with community needs.
... I mean, can't they just figure it out? Starlink was really making a difference in rural areas where internet's super scarce. Now these communities are being forced to go without and it's affecting businesses, healthcare, education... everything. It's like the government is more worried about licensing than people's lives. 
What's next? Shutting down electricity or water services just because they're not "licensed" somehow? It doesn't make sense to me 
. The petition's a good start, but I think they need to take it further. We need to remind them that internet access is a basic human right, not something you get permission for 
.
I hope they figure out a way for Starlink to operate here without causing more harm. These farmers and traders are really struggling...
this shutdown is a total disaster 
obviously, the government needs to get its act together and figure out a way for Starlink to operate legally, but not at the expense of shutting down an essential service that's been a lifeline for so many people. I'm all for regulation and compliance, but come on! 
it's not just about internet tho, its about people's lives being delayed because they cant get the info they need... healthcare is a major one here, if docs cant send reports on time, someone could die 
and i feel for the petitioners who are trying to make their voices heard, but at the same time i get why nicta needs some kinda oversight