Friday, 19th December, 2025
The National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) has reaffirmed that Starlink satellite internet services remain prohibited in Papua New Guinea, with strict enforcement measures in place until clear legal direction is provided by either the Ombudsman Commission or the Supreme Court.
Speaking at a press conference, Acting Chief Executive Officer Polume Lume said NICTA is legally restrained from licensing Starlink and will not allow any Starlink-related connections, equipment, cables, or infrastructure to be imported or operated in the country without formal legal clearance.
“Until there is a clear directive from the Ombudsman Commission or the Supreme Court, Starlink services cannot be allowed to operate in Papua New Guinea,” Mr Lume said.
According to NICTA, the authority had completed negotiations with Starlink and the licensing process was at an advanced stage when it was halted following a formal directive issued by the Ombudsman Commission in March 2024. The directive expressly prohibits NICTA from issuing a licence to Starlink.
To address the restriction, NICTA has commenced court proceedings challenging the Ombudsman Commission’s directive. The matter was heard by the National Court on 5 September 2025, and a decision is still pending.
NICTA confirmed that on 11 December 2025, it formally instructed SpaceX, the parent company of Starlink Internet Services PNG Limited, to cease the provision of Starlink satellite services in Papua New Guinea. Subsequently, on 16 December 2025, SpaceX disabled Starlink satellite services to PNG.
The authority said it has observed ongoing importation, installation, and use of Starlink terminals across the country in recent months and warned that such activities are unlawful under the National Information and Communications Technology Act 2009.
NICTA revealed it has received over 160 direct responses from users, indicating that a significant number of individuals have been using Starlink services without authorisation. The authority warned that the unlicensed importation, supply, installation, operation, or use of Starlink terminals constitutes an offence and may result in enforcement action, including prosecution.
However, NICTA clarified that Starlink has indicated it does not wish to break Papua New Guinea’s laws and remains willing to comply fully with the country’s regulatory framework.
Public interest in Starlink’s entry into PNG continues to grow, with NICTA confirming that around 200 individuals have signed a petition calling for the service to be allowed into the country.
The NICTA Board said the authority remains ready and willing to license Starlink once the legal impediment is resolved and stressed that until either the Ombudsman Commission withdraws or lifts its directive, or the Supreme Court issues a determination allowing the licensing to proceed, the importation, supply, installation, and use of Starlink services in Papua New Guinea remains strictly prohibited.
Meanwhile, the authority said it will continue to enforce the law and will not hesitate to take action against non-compliance.
ENDS