Starlink services in Arakan State inoperable as users report sudden shutdowns

By Admin 03 Jul 2026

DMG Newsroom

3 July 2026, Mrauk-U

Starlink satellite internet services used across Myanmar, including Arakan State, have become inoperable in several areas after devices were reportedly blocked, raising concern among users.

Since June 2, multiple Starlink devices in Arakan State, including those with successfully registered accounts, have reportedly been marked “Region Restricted” and subsequently shut down.

"It was just yesterday that Starlink devices were blocked among my acquaintances. We do not fully understand the reason. The technical department has not issued any explanation. Since they suddenly stopped working, we do not know what to do. Some users have not even cleared their debts for licensing fees and taxes," a man in Kyauktaw Township said.

Reports suggest that devices are more likely to be disabled if user activity indicates access from an unauthorized country or region.

In May, Starlink introduced a new policy requiring facial verification of device owners, which has added further concern among users in Myanmar.

Starlink, owned by Elon Musk's SpaceX, has reportedly sent warning notices stating that use in unauthorized regions is prohibited and advising users to relocate devices to approved countries.

"I just bought it recently. I am already worried it will be detected due to location issues. Everyone who bought it is likely afraid it may shut down. It cost a lot of money. We followed all the rules and paid the required fees, but now there is no clear notice from the technical department. If it shuts down, it will be a total loss," a woman in Mrauk-U said.

Starlink is officially authorized in Southeast Asia only in the Philippines, and in Asia only in Japan, while Myanmar does not have official approval.

However, in Arakan State, where mobile phone and internet services remain cut off, the technical department under the United League of Arakan has reportedly allowed the rental and use of Starlink devices for communication since late 2025.

Users are required to pay a one-year licensing fee of K3 million, in addition to other taxes, to operate the service.

"In our village, five Starlink devices are in use, and three have already stopped working. We do not know the exact reason and are hoping they will be restored," a Kyauktaw Township resident said.

Since 2023, internet and mobile phone lines in Arakan State have been severely disrupted due to ongoing fighting, significantly affecting social and economic life.

Residents now fear that further shutdowns of Starlink devices could deepen communication isolation across the state.