NICTA declares Starlink services unlawful in PNG

The National Information and Communication Technology Authority [NICTA] has clarified that Starlink satellite internet services are not licensed to operate in Papua New Guinea.

NICTA chairman Brian Riches said importation, installation or use of Starlink equipment is unlawful under current ICT laws.

Riches made the clarification during a news conference last week, following growing reports of Starlink terminals being used across the country.

“Starlink is not currently licensed to operate in Papua New Guinea. Despite this, NICTA has observed ongoing importation, supply, installation and use of Starlink terminals across the country over recent months,” he said.

Riches reiterated that any person or entity involved in importing, supplying, installing or using Starlink terminals without proper authorisation from NICTA is committing an offence under the NICTA Act 2009 and its associated regulations.

“Such activities constitute offences under the Act and relevant regulations,” Riches said.

NICTA warned that will offenders face penalties of up to K20,000 in fines or imprisonment for up to three years, or both.

According to NICTA, negotiations to license Starlink were nearing completion before the process was halted by a directive from the Ombudsman Commission in March 2024, effectively stopping the issuance of a licence.

Despite its unlicensed status, NICTA revealed that more than 160 Starlink users have already been identified across Papua New Guinea, spanning both public and private sectors.

“These users are now categorised as illegal users and have committed offences under the NICTA Act 2009."

NICTA Acting Chief Executive Officer Lume Polume said enforcement will be strict until the legal process is resolved.

“Until the Ombudsman Commission withdraws its position or the courts overturn that decision, this remains the formal status of Starlink in Papua New Guinea,” Polume said.

“NICTA will not license anyone operating or intending to bring in Starlink terminals at this stage, and enforcement will be very strict.”

He emphasised that NICTA will take firm action against any unlicensed Starlink terminals currently operating in the country.

Meanwhile, NICTA reaffirmed that it remains ready to license Starlink once legal proceedings are concluded and regulatory requirements are met.

“For now, Starlink services remain prohibited and unlawful to operate in Papua New Guinea,” Molume said.