Anger boils over in Papua New Guinea as Starlink's shutdown sparks widespread discontent.
The National Information and Communications Technology Authority (Nicta) ordered Starlink, a satellite internet company owned by Elon Musk's SpaceX, to shut down operations in the country due to licensing issues. However, weeks later, frustration is growing among businesses, health providers, and communities that are struggling without access to reliable internet services.
The lack of an approved license has severely impacted daily life for many Papua New Guineans who relied on Starlink as their primary means of accessing the internet in rural areas where mobile networks are unreliable or non-existent. The service was used by thousands of people, including entire villages and districts, which is now causing distress for those who have been cut off.
Businessman John Simon said that the shutdown ignores the struggles of ordinary people and small businesses, who rely on the cheapest and fastest internet option. He urged the government to take action to address the issue, as many are being forced to travel long distances to access basic services such as banking.
Health workers and teachers have also been affected by the loss of Starlink's service, which has disrupted their ability to communicate with hospitals in town, send reports quickly, and access critical information. "For patients who need urgent care, these delays can be life-threatening," said health worker Theresa Juni from East Sepik province.
The shutdown has sparked a petition signed by over 200 people calling for Starlink to be allowed to operate legally. Telecommunications analysts estimate that the service provided vital connectivity for thousands of people before its shutdown.
This is not an isolated incident, as Starlink has faced similar licensing issues in other Pacific countries. However, the impact on Papua New Guinea's communities and businesses cannot be overstated, with many calling on the government to take immediate action to resolve the issue.
The National Information and Communications Technology Authority (Nicta) ordered Starlink, a satellite internet company owned by Elon Musk's SpaceX, to shut down operations in the country due to licensing issues. However, weeks later, frustration is growing among businesses, health providers, and communities that are struggling without access to reliable internet services.
The lack of an approved license has severely impacted daily life for many Papua New Guineans who relied on Starlink as their primary means of accessing the internet in rural areas where mobile networks are unreliable or non-existent. The service was used by thousands of people, including entire villages and districts, which is now causing distress for those who have been cut off.
Businessman John Simon said that the shutdown ignores the struggles of ordinary people and small businesses, who rely on the cheapest and fastest internet option. He urged the government to take action to address the issue, as many are being forced to travel long distances to access basic services such as banking.
Health workers and teachers have also been affected by the loss of Starlink's service, which has disrupted their ability to communicate with hospitals in town, send reports quickly, and access critical information. "For patients who need urgent care, these delays can be life-threatening," said health worker Theresa Juni from East Sepik province.
The shutdown has sparked a petition signed by over 200 people calling for Starlink to be allowed to operate legally. Telecommunications analysts estimate that the service provided vital connectivity for thousands of people before its shutdown.
This is not an isolated incident, as Starlink has faced similar licensing issues in other Pacific countries. However, the impact on Papua New Guinea's communities and businesses cannot be overstated, with many calling on the government to take immediate action to resolve the issue.
what's the deal with Nicta thinkin they can just shut down a service that's been lifesaver for so many people in rural areas 
? I mean, yeah I know they say it's about licensing issues but come on, it's like they're playin with fire by cuttin off internet access for thousands of people 
it's not just about Starlink, it's about the infrastructure that's supposed to be in place but ain't 
I'm all for regulation but you can't just shut down a service without thinkin about the consequences 
if we keep playin it safe and sayin no to tech progress then how are we gonna move forward? 
the gov should be all over this ASAP 
I feel so bad for the health workers and teachers who can't even get the info they need because of this shutdown. It's like, what's going on with Starlink? Can't they just sort out their licensing issues already? 
. The problem is that governments often forget about the little guys who rely on such services for their livelihoods or daily needs 
. It's a classic case of "those who have the power" making decisions without considering the consequences on the rest of us 
.
. Starlink was literally the only game in town for rural areas, and now people are being forced to travel miles just to access basic services. That's just ridiculous! 
The gov't needs to step up and sort this out ASAP, especially with all these businesses and health workers affected. It's not just about the internet, it's about people's lives 
. I'm loving this petition tho - 200+ people are speaking out against this, that's some serious solidarity 
. Let's hope the gov't takes action before things get any worse... 
starlink was literally the only game in town for rural papua new guineans and now they're stuck with no internet what's the point of having a national info authority if u dont use ur power to help people out? i feel like starlink was just trying to get their foot in the door and nicta took it away from them 
anyway, i hope someone comes up with a solution soon, its not like they're gonna survive on face-to-face communication only 
I'm kinda worried about this situation in PNG... Starlink was literally a lifeline for some rural areas where internet access is super limited. Now they're being forced to go without and it's causing so much trouble for people who rely on it for work, healthcare, etc. 
The fact that some people are having to travel long distances just to access basic services is ridiculous! 
How about the government just talks to SpaceX and finds a solution ASAP? 
like anyone actually bothered to ask if they'd even have internet without it? the whole country is basically being held hostage by a bunch of bureaucrats who don't care about the people's lives. and now businesses are having to deal with all the extra hassle of trying to get basic services... because, you know, that's exactly what governments are for 
it's so sad what's happening in Papua New Guinea right now... 
... health workers & teachers are also being affected by the loss of connectivity which is life-threatening situation 
especially when it comes to accessing hospitals in town & getting urgent care 
... government needs to step in ASAP & resolve this issue 
. It's not just about the businesses and health workers, it's about ordinary people who can't even access basic services without going out of their way 
.
. I mean, come on, Elon Musk has been offering satellite internet for years and they're still stuck in the Stone Age 
. It's time for some common sense and a bit of innovation around here 
. The petition is a good start, but I think they should be doing more to address the issue ASAP 
.