PRESS RELEASE |NICTA Clarifies Regulatory Status of Starlink Services in Papua New Guinea.
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – December 2025
The National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) wishes to clarify the regulatory position regarding Starlink satellite internet services in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and to address misinformation currently circulating in the public domain.
On 11 December 2025, NICTA formally instructed SpaceX, the parent company of Starlink Internet Services PNG Limited, to cease the provision of Starlink satellite services in Papua New Guinea. This instruction was issued in accordance with NICTA’s statutory obligations under the National Information and Communications Technology Act 2009.
Licensing Status of Starlink in PNG
Starlink is currently not 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.
NICTA reiterates that any importation, supply, installation, or use of Starlink terminals or related satellite internet equipment without a valid licence or authorisation issued by NICTA is strictly prohibited and unlawful. Such activities constitute offences under the Act and relevant regulations.
Accordingly, NICTA warns that any person or entity engaging in these activities is in breach of the law and may be subject to enforcement action, including prosecution.
Court Proceedings and Ombudsman Directive
NICTA wishes to make it unequivocally clear that the absence of a Starlink licence in PNG is not due to regulatory unwillingness or inaction by NICTA.
NICTA had completed negotiations with Starlink, and the licensing process was at an advanced stage and nearing completion, when the process was halted as a result of a formal directive issued by the Ombudsman Commission of Papua New Guinea in March 2024, which expressly prohibits NICTA from issuing a licence to Starlink.
As a result of this directive, NICTA is legally restrained from licensing Starlink until the matter is resolved.
To address this 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.
Until either:
• the Ombudsman Commission withdraws or lifts its directive, or
• the Court hands down a determination allowing the licensing to proceed,
NICTA is legally unable to issue a licence to Starlink, regardless of commercial or technical readiness.
Service Suspension and Public Response
On 16 December 2025, SpaceX disabled Starlink satellite services to Papua New Guinea. In its service notification to users, Social Media encouraged customers to express support for its full approval in PNG, including through an online petition.
NICTA has since received over 160 direct responses from users, which indicates that a significant number of individuals have been using Starlink services unlawfully. NICTA reminds the public that unlicensed use of telecommunications services is an offence, and these matters will be addressed in accordance with the law.
NICTA’s Position Going Forward
NICTA reaffirms that it remains ready and willing to license Starlink once the legal impediment is resolved. NICTA has acted in good faith throughout the process and continues to support the expansion of innovative, reliable, and affordable connectivity solutions for Papua New Guinea—within the framework of the law.
Until the current legal proceedings are concluded, the importation, supply, installation, operation, or use of Starlink terminals or services in Papua New Guinea remains strictly prohibited.
NICTA will continue to enforce the Act and will not hesitate to take enforcement action against non-compliance.
Authorised by
Polume Lume,Acting CEO
The National ICT Authority (NICTA)
