Anger in Papua New Guinea as Starlink ordered to shut down

Papua New Guinea's regulator ordered Starlink to halt services in mid-December because it was not licensed, and Nicta says it is waiting on the ombudsman or the courts for a directive. The shutdown has disrupted internet access for remote communities, health clinics, schools and small businesses.

Papua New Guinea's telecom regulator ordered Starlink's satellite internet service to stop operating in mid-December because the company did not hold a licence, officials said. The pause has reduced internet access in rural and remote areas. Health workers, teachers and small businesses report disruptions to communications and transactions. Nicta has said services cannot resume until the legal process is complete and is awaiting a directive from the ombudsman or the courts. Key facts: - The National Information and Communications Technology Authority (Nicta) ordered Starlink to halt operations because it was not licensed to operate in PNG. - Nicta stated services cannot be allowed until the legal process is completed and is awaiting a decision or directive from the ombudsman or the courts, with no timing provided. - The shutdown has affected remote users including clinics, schools and small businesses that used Starlink where other networks were unreliable or unavailable. - Starlink did not respond to a request for comment, and an email to customers said the company wanted to provide service once approvals were granted. Summary: The regulator's order has left many remote communities and service providers with reduced internet access, and officials say the outcome depends on legal or ombudsman decisions. Undetermined at this time.