Starlink has fully withdrawn its satellite internet services from Papua New Guinea as the government continues to grapple with unresolved licensing issues.<\/p>\n
The National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) confirmed last Thursday that SpaceX, Starlink\u2019s parent company, was ordered to stop all satellite operations in the country a week earlier.<\/p>\n
Despite the growing use of Starlink terminals in recent months, NICTA says the company is not currently licensed to operate in PNG.<\/p>\n
It warns that anyone importing, installing, or using the service is in breach of the law and could face enforcement action, including prosecution.<\/p>\n
NICTA says it is legally barred from issuing a licence at this stage, after the Ombudsman Commission intervened in March 2024, blocking Starlink\u2019s approval due to concerns over service reliability and regulatory compliance.<\/p>\n
The matter is now before the National Court, and a decision is still pending.<\/p>\n
NICTA has stated it will proceed with licensing Starlink if the court grants clearance.<\/p>\n
In a message to users, Starlink reaffirmed its commitment to PNG and encouraged customers to support its approval.<\/p>\n
The company said it remains dedicated to delivering fast, reliable internet to homes, businesses, schools, and remote communities.<\/p>\n
NICTA also confirmed that around 200 people have signed a petition in support of Starlink’s services.<\/p>\n
Communications Minister, Timothy Masiu declined to comment, citing the ongoing legal proceedings.<\/p>\n
While Starlink has been widely praised for boosting internet access in remote Pacific nations, particularly in Tonga after the 2022 volcanic eruption disrupted undersea cables, Papua New Guinea remains a notable outlier, with its licensing process stalled since December 2023.<\/p>\n
At a conference in Port Moresby in November, SpaceX Global Market Access Director, Rebecca Slick Hunter said the company is ready to launch services in PNG as soon as approval is granted.<\/p>\n
She noted that Starlink has already established a local entity and intends to work collaboratively with existing providers.<\/p>\n
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