Papua New Guinea has taken a decisive step towards the commercial rollout of Starlink services after a National Court ruling cleared legal barriers, while the sector regulator confirmed it has issued operator licences and senior officials called for coordinated implementation across government.
Prime Minister James Marape welcomed the court’s decision, which dismissed proceedings that had effectively stalled the licensing process, saying the ruling restores regulatory certainty and enables authorities to proceed with efforts to improve nationwide connectivity.
The National Court set aside earlier orders that had prevented the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) from progressing with the licensing of low-Earth orbit satellite services. The judgment reaffirms the regulator’s mandate to administer licensing decisions in accordance with Papua New Guinea’s legal and policy frameworks.
Marape said the outcome underscores the urgency of strengthening communications infrastructure, particularly in a country where geography and limited terrestrial networks continue to constrain access. He pointed to recent natural disasters as evidence of systemic gaps in connectivity, especially in remote and rural communities.
“The government remains committed to ensuring that all Papua New Guineans have access to reliable and affordable communication services,” Marape said, adding that satellite-based solutions such as Starlink can complement existing networks and accelerate service delivery.
The prime minister stressed that the government’s position is not to displace incumbent operators but to foster a more competitive and inclusive market environment. He said Starlink’s entry should help drive improvements in service quality, pricing and coverage, while supporting broader economic participation through digital access.
Separately, NICTA confirmed it has formally granted operator licences to Starlink following a regulatory process that included consultations on the introduction of low-Earth orbit satellite services in 2023. The licensing decision enables Starlink to provide satellite broadband services across Papua New Guinea, subject to compliance with regulatory conditions.
NICTA said satellite connectivity is expected to play a complementary role to terrestrial infrastructure, particularly in areas where fibre and mobile networks are either unavailable or economically unviable. The regulator has framed the move as part of a broader strategy to expand access, enhance network resilience and improve service continuity.
Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu welcomed NICTA’s decision and emphasised the need for a “whole-of-government” approach to ensure effective rollout and integration.
Pomaleu said coordination across state agencies will be critical to aligning Starlink’s deployment with national infrastructure priorities, including education, healthcare and disaster response systems. He noted that improved connectivity could enhance the delivery of public services and strengthen the government’s ability to respond to emergencies.
He also highlighted the importance of avoiding fragmentation in implementation, urging government bodies to work collaboratively to maximise the benefits of satellite technology. This includes ensuring interoperability with existing systems and aligning investments with long-term digital transformation goals.
The government has encouraged Starlink to engage with domestic stakeholders, including state-owned telecommunications provider Telikom PNG, to support integration with existing networks and prevent duplication of infrastructure.
Officials said such collaboration would help ensure that new services complement, rather than undermine, existing investments in the telecommunications sector.
The court ruling is also being interpreted by authorities as a reaffirmation of regulatory independence and due process. Officials noted that all operators, whether domestic or international, are subject to the same licensing requirements and oversight mechanisms.
Marape reiterated that the government supports a rules-based approach to sector development, adding that investor confidence depends on transparent and predictable regulatory processes.
The combined developments — the court decision, NICTA’s licensing action and the call for coordinated implementation — mark a significant milestone in Papua New Guinea’s efforts to modernise its telecommunications sector.
Satellite broadband is expected to play a key role in bridging the digital divide, particularly in geographically isolated regions where traditional infrastructure deployment has proven challenging.
Authorities said improved connectivity will support not only economic growth but also social outcomes, including access to education, healthcare and digital services.
As implementation progresses, the government has indicated it will continue to monitor the sector to ensure that policy objectives are met, including affordability, service quality and equitable access.
The entry of Starlink into Papua New Guinea’s market is expected to test the country’s regulatory framework while offering a potential model for integrating emerging technologies into developing telecommunications ecosystems.
