PNG Budget Criticised as Nomane Warns Debt Costs Are Squeezing Services

PNG is expected to see a major expansion in satellite internet services once Starlink Global secures its operating licence, according to the company’s director of market access and activation, Rebecca Hunter.

Speaking at the Digital Transformation Summit 2025 in Port Moresby, Mrs Hunter outlined Starlink’s current footprint and future plans for the country, stressing that the network’s capabilities extend to remote, mountainous and maritime regions. She said Starlink’s system offers low latency, broad coverage and redundancy while maintaining a focus on affordability, acknowledging that satellite connectivity functions differently from terrestrial systems.

Mrs Hunter 

Mrs Hunter said Starlink operates under SpaceX and is not a standalone company. She noted that SpaceX’s experience in rocket and space technology development has been crucial in delivering the satellite service.

She said the company’s user terminals range from high-performance models designed for enterprise, maritime and aviation customers to standard devices suitable for residential users. She added that the Starlink Mini, which is roughly the size of a laptop, offers a portable option for homes and small businesses.

Since 2023, Starlink has maintained a registered local entity in PNG, paying corporate taxes and regulatory fees and operating under the same compliance requirements that apply to other foreign-owned businesses.

Mrs Hunter said Starlink’s business and tax registrations are already completed. “As soon as we get our authorizations from NICTA, the local regulator, we will activate services here quickly, within probably a month or two, or even shorter, because we have been doing some work on our business side.”

She said Starlink will work with local partners and has already held discussions with multiple companies. She told the summit that the service will support areas such as education, healthcare, disaster response and agriculture, and added: “And so, once we're licensed and operating, we will work very closely with the government and our local partners in understanding what your needs and priorities are and how can Starlink be additive and complementary to what you have in Papua New Guinea.”

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