Almost three years later and still no license for Starlink as the National Information Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) and the Ombudsman Commission (OC) continue to tussle in formalities and legal reviews.

Here is the essential breakdown of the dispute and why Starlink services remain restricted.

In December 2023, Starlink was set to have its license through NICTA since its initial approval by the end of that same year; with the only thing stopping it being additional review of terms and conditions before it would be awarded its license.

According to reports, Starlink had met all requirements from NICTA to begin services so the halt felt uncalled for.

By January of 2024, Public concerns had been sparked after a statement by the Minister for Information Communication Technology (ICT) at the time, Timothy Masiu, who said that NICTA had approved for Starlink to operate in Papua New Guinea (PNG) under a five-year license, when in fact, negotiations over terms and conditions were still under way for an official license to be given.

However, Minister Masiu said the announcement in January was essentially an intent based on the decision of the NICTA board to grant an approval in principal to Starlink.

By February 28 - March 2024 NICTA was effectively halted in its advanced negotiations to finalize Starlink’s licensing.

The Ombudsman Commission (OC) justified this decision through citing constitutional authority under Section 27(4), saying the matter required further stakeholder consultation.

Forward to August 5 - September 5, 2025 NICTA fired back at the OC by filing for lawful review of the commission’s interference.

A report by a notable newspaper stated that the issue is now being reviewed in a court of law.

“The matter is currently before the court, and all the parties are awaiting its determination, Minister Masiu said.

“It is imperative that due process is followed to ensure compliance with national laws and regulations.”

Recently in December 11, 2025, Starlink was advised by NICTA to stop all of its services in PNG; which would effectively be a ban in light of unlicensed use of Starlink routers by over 160 users.

NICTA subsequently confirmed that it formally instructed SpaceX, the parent company of Starlink Internet Services PNG Limited, to cease the provision of Starlink satellite services in PNG.

Subsequently, on 16 December 2025, SpaceX disabled Starlink satellite services to PNG.

Meanwhile, ongoing importation, installation, and use of Starlink terminals across the country have been observed in recent months and warned that such activities are unlawful under the National Information and Communications Technology Act 2009.

All further use of Starlink and its services are considered unlawful until a definite resolution and confirmation of license and operation for Starlink is met.

On December 18, 2025 - One year since the entire ordeal started - NICTA held a press release to provide clarification and an update.

The NICTA Board in their release said, “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 PNG, within the framework of the law.”

Today, what can be expected from the almost three-year-long tug of war over legal implications, politics and user concerns is a resolution as NICTA and the Ombudsman Commission are still in court over the matter.

Additionally, for NICTA and all eager users, it is a matter of whether the Ombudsman withdraws from further interference in halting Starlink’s licensing through NICTA, or a Supreme Court decision that leans in favour of licensing.

Until then, no official decisions have been made in regard to Starlink and its license to operate in PNG.

What Has Happened?

December 18, 2023

• Starlink gets its license approved by NICTA to carry out its network operations with only little legal paperwork to sort out before it officially commences.

January 2024

• Public speculation raised concerns about the nature of Starlink’s licensing.
• Minister for ICT Hon. Timothy Masiu made a public statement on the matter saying that NICTA had licensed Starlink to operate in the country.
• Negotiations over terms and conditions were still under way for an official license to be given.

Feb 28 - March 2024

• The Ombudsman Commission ordered a halt by NICTA in licensing Starlink.
• OC justified this decision through citing constitutional authority under Section 27(4), saying the matter required further stakeholder consultation.
• NICTA had been effectively stopped from any advanced negotiations to finalize Starlink’s licensing.

Aug 5 - Sept 5

• NICTA fires back at the OC by filing for lawful review of the commission’s interference.
• OC meets NICTA in judicial review as Arguments ensue over legal concerns from both parties.

What’s Happening

Dec 11 - 16, 2025

• Starlink was advised by NICTA to cease all of its services in PNG
• SpaceX, parent company of Starlink, followed up by disabling its satellite services nationwide to comply with NICTA’s instructions.

Dec 17 - 22

• NICTA addresses speculations online through a press release stating that these decisions were made under legal implications. Meanwhile concerned citizens joined a petition that grew to about 200 signatures; additionally, they sent emails sharing their opinions.

What to Expect?

• NICTA and the Ombudsman Commission are still in court over the matter at hand
• As of today, December 26, 2025, no official decisions have been made in regard to Starlink and its license to operate in PNG.
• For NICTA and all eager users, it is a matter of whether the Ombudsman withdraws from further interference in halting Starlink’s licensing through NICTA, or a Supreme Court decision that leans in favor of licensing.