Starlink policy changes raise communication blackout concerns in Arakan State

By Admin 18 Jul 2026

DMG Newsroom

18 July 2026, Minbya

People in Arakan State, who are already facing widespread internet shutdowns, are increasingly concerned about possible communication disruptions following changes to SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet policies.

Residents have relied heavily on Starlink services to maintain business operations, political engagement, information access and daily communication amid ongoing internet restrictions.

SpaceX recently announced that rules governing its Roam Plan, a feature that allows mobile usage across different areas, will change from August 17, 2026. The new policy will impose stricter limits on the duration and authorization of usage outside the country where devices were originally registered.

The policy change has caused concern among civil society organizations and residents in Arakan State, where Starlink has become a key source of internet access.

“If Starlink goes down, we will be left with virtually no alternative options to access the internet. Our work, news reporting and communication with our families will all be severely disrupted,” said a resident of Nyaungpinwaing Village in Minbya Township.

Following the 2021 military coup, mobile phone and internet services were shut down across Arakan State by the junta. To help residents maintain access to information and communication, the United League of Arakan introduced a registration system for Starlink terminals and officially authorized their use across the state.

As a result, Starlink has become a major communication tool for humanitarian organizations, local businesses and the general public.

However, Myanmar is not an officially authorized country under any formal agreement with Starlink. SpaceX has not issued an official announcement stating that it will terminate services for users in Myanmar.

Nevertheless, the new Roam Plan regulations have created uncertainty among users in Myanmar who operate Starlink devices through accounts registered in other countries.

“Starlink's statement does not explicitly say that services will be completely cut off. If we can properly adapt to the rules mentioned in their announcement, things should be fine. However, the costs will likely increase significantly compared with before. It is not something to panic about yet,” said Ko Tun Naing Aung, a technology enthusiast who provides Starlink services.

Residents said any disruption to Starlink services would severely affect information sharing, humanitarian operations, education and business activities across Arakan State.

Separately, a joint statement by 255 civil society organizations warned that more than 13 million civilians across Myanmar could face communication disruptions due to Starlink restrictions imposed as part of efforts to crack down on cross-border cyber scam syndicates operating in the country.

The statement, addressed to the U.S. government, SpaceX and international organizations, expressed support for efforts to dismantle criminal syndicates but raised concerns that broad restrictions could unintentionally harm civilians and humanitarian operations.