Nabilah S
Starlink has secured a five-year operator license from the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA), granting the company authorization to establish and operate its satellite network across Papua New Guinea. The announcement was made by Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Timothy Masiu, during a press briefing held on January 1, 2024, in Kokopo, East New Britain Province.
Under the terms of its newly approved license, Starlink is now authorized to offer satellite internet services in the country, provided the company complies with the regulatory requirements established by NICTA. This approval comes after an extensive public consultation process, during which NICTA thoroughly assessed the potential impact of Starlink’s operations on the nation’s telecommunications sector.
Minister Masiu emphasized the importance of this milestone, noting that Starlink’s services could significantly enhance broadband connectivity, especially in remote and rural areas. He highlighted how this decision aligns with the government’s Universal Access and Digital Transformation Policy, accelerating the deployment of broadband internet services nationwide.
Addressing the longstanding challenges faced by many regions of Papua New Guinea in accessing reliable internet—largely due to geographical barriers and limited infrastructure—Masiu expressed optimism that Starlink’s entry into the market would foster greater competition within the telecom sector. He further stated that this move would support the government’s objectives of achieving universal access to affordable, high-quality ICT services.
The operator license officially took effect on January 1, 2024, marking a pivotal step toward improving internet access across Papua New Guinea.
