Papua New Guinea's Internet Blackout Sparks Outrage as Starlink Shutdown Leaves Thousands Without Access
The shutdown of Starlink, a satellite internet company owned by Elon Musk's SpaceX, has left Papua New Guinea in chaos. The National Information and Communications Technology Authority (Nicta) ordered the company to halt operations mid-December, citing lack of licensing, leaving thousands without access to the internet.
For many Papua New Guineans, particularly those living in rural areas where mobile networks are unreliable or non-existent, Starlink was a lifeline. The service provided fast and affordable internet, enabling businesses, health providers, and communities to connect with the world.
The shutdown has had far-reaching consequences, with businesses struggling to reach customers and process payments. Health workers have reported difficulties in communicating with doctors and sending reports quickly, putting patients' lives at risk. Educators have also been affected, as students rely on internet access to check their results and plan for higher education.
Small business owners, including former MP John Simon, are crying foul, arguing that the shutdown ignored the struggles of ordinary people and small businesses in Papua New Guinea. "This is really bad for this country," Simon said. "Internet and online services have been very expensive and slow for years, yet we cannot listen to the little people out on the street and sort this out."
An online petition has garnered over 200 signatures, calling for Starlink to be allowed to operate legally. The country's communication minister declined to comment, fueling further frustration among affected communities.
This is not an isolated incident. Starlink has faced licensing issues in other Pacific countries, including Tonga, where a government-ordered shutdown sparked widespread outrage among users.
As the situation remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Papua New Guinea's internet blackout has had devastating consequences for its citizens, and it is imperative that the government and regulatory bodies take swift action to resolve the issue.
The shutdown of Starlink, a satellite internet company owned by Elon Musk's SpaceX, has left Papua New Guinea in chaos. The National Information and Communications Technology Authority (Nicta) ordered the company to halt operations mid-December, citing lack of licensing, leaving thousands without access to the internet.
For many Papua New Guineans, particularly those living in rural areas where mobile networks are unreliable or non-existent, Starlink was a lifeline. The service provided fast and affordable internet, enabling businesses, health providers, and communities to connect with the world.
The shutdown has had far-reaching consequences, with businesses struggling to reach customers and process payments. Health workers have reported difficulties in communicating with doctors and sending reports quickly, putting patients' lives at risk. Educators have also been affected, as students rely on internet access to check their results and plan for higher education.
Small business owners, including former MP John Simon, are crying foul, arguing that the shutdown ignored the struggles of ordinary people and small businesses in Papua New Guinea. "This is really bad for this country," Simon said. "Internet and online services have been very expensive and slow for years, yet we cannot listen to the little people out on the street and sort this out."
An online petition has garnered over 200 signatures, calling for Starlink to be allowed to operate legally. The country's communication minister declined to comment, fueling further frustration among affected communities.
This is not an isolated incident. Starlink has faced licensing issues in other Pacific countries, including Tonga, where a government-ordered shutdown sparked widespread outrage among users.
As the situation remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Papua New Guinea's internet blackout has had devastating consequences for its citizens, and it is imperative that the government and regulatory bodies take swift action to resolve the issue.
. I mean, I know some areas in our country still have patchy coverage, but at least we have options... like mobile networks or community centers that offer internet access. But Papua New Guinea relies so heavily on Starlink for their livelihoods and daily lives. It's heartbreaking to think about the businesses and healthcare systems being crippled by this shutdown 
.
. But still, it feels like we're seeing a lack of consideration for the little people out there... small business owners who are trying to make ends meet, health workers who need to communicate with patients quickly, and students who rely on internet access to get ahead 
.
. And I hope the government will take swift action to resolve this issue... our citizens deserve better than being left in the dark 
.
this is insane... thousands of ppl stuck without internet in a country where online services were already super expensive & slow 
and now they're saying Starlink needs to get licenses? come on, how long's it gonna take? 
some ppl r struggling 2 even get mobile coverage let alone fast & reliable internet 
we need 2 talk about infrastructure & gov support 4 these small businesses n communities that are really feelin the pinch 
And now, businesses and schools are struggling to cope without it. It's just not fair. The shutdown is gonna have a huge impact on everyone's life... I mean, think about all the people who can't access online services anymore... it's like living in the dark ages 
. We need some serious solutions ASAP! 
I mean, can you believe this?! Thousands of people without internet access? It's like living in the Stone Age! I get why Starlink was a lifesaver for those rural areas, especially with mobile networks being so unreliable. And it's not just about businesses and health workers - what about students who need to study online? It's a total disaster 
. I mean, how hard is it to issue licenses, right?! 
no mobile networks in some areas means they're stuck in the dark ages 
it's like living in a bubble 
we need 2 know wut happened & why nicta didn't think thru b4 shutting down starlink 
I mean, who even cares about licensing anymore? it's just a bunch of red tape to keep people down 
. businesses and health workers are struggling to cope, and students are gonna be stuck in a loop of not knowing what's going on 
. can u imagine how frustrating it must be for small business owners like John Simon who just wanna do their job without all these hurdles 
.
. But I think that's just it - we gotta be willing to listen to each other and find common ground, not just impose our own will on others 
so what's up with this starlink shutdown in papua new guinea? 
i mean, come on! who cares about paper licenses when ppl need internet to survive? 
and these small businesses are suffering big time 
those rural areas were just getting online for the first time and now they're stuck in the dark ages again 
and we need more of that 
... have you guys ever tried eating sago? 
remember when dial-up was the norm? 
.
. No more excuses, no more delays! The people are suffering, and it's time for change 
. We need to make sure that everyone, regardless of their location or socio-economic status, has access to the internet and the opportunities it provides 
. The government needs to step in ASAP and figure out a solution that works for everyone, not just the big corporations.