Frustration is mounting in Papua New Guinea following the government's mid-December order for Starlink to cease operations, leaving businesses, healthcare providers, and communities struggling with disrupted internet access. The National Information and Communications Technology Authority (Nicta) mandated the shutdown, citing Starlink's lack of a license to operate within the country.

Starlink, a satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk's SpaceX, provides connectivity to remote areas, and its sudden absence has triggered widespread concern. Nicta's acting chief executive, Lume Polume, stated, "Starlink is currently not licensed to operate in Papua New Guinea, and until the legal process is completed, services cannot be allowed." The shutdown impacts an unknown number of users who had come to rely on the service for communication, commerce, and essential services.

The move raises questions about the regulatory environment for satellite internet providers in PNG and its potential impact on foreign investment in the telecommunications sector. While the exact number of Starlink subscribers in Papua New Guinea is not publicly available, the company's global presence includes over 2 million active customers as of late 2023. The loss of Starlink's services could potentially create opportunities for existing licensed telecommunication companies in PNG to expand their market share, although these companies may not be able to offer services to remote areas as easily as Starlink.

The situation underscores the challenges of balancing regulatory compliance with the need for reliable internet access, particularly in geographically dispersed nations like Papua New Guinea. The government has not indicated a timeline for resolving the licensing issue, leaving Starlink users in limbo. The longer the shutdown persists, the greater the potential economic and social consequences for affected communities.