Starlink Emerges as a Lifeline in War-Torn Myanmar Despite Junta Ban

In conflict-ravaged Myanmar, Elon Musk's Starlink satellite technology has become a critical communication tool for rebel commanders, aid workers, and even cybercriminals, enabling connectivity in the face of stringent internet restrictions imposed by the military junta.

Despite lacking official authorization in Myanmar and facing a government-imposed ban, Starlink's satellite network continues to meet a growing demand through clandestine means. Smugglers on the ground and the orbiting satellites work together to circumvent restrictions, providing crucial access to the internet in isolated areas.

“For many, Starlink is now the only viable solution for instant internet,” an analyst with the Myanmar Internet Project told Voice of America (VOA). The local research and advocacy group has observed the escalating reliance on the technology as other options dwindle. The analyst, speaking anonymously to avoid potential retribution, highlighted the dire situation across the country.

Since the military ousted the elected government in a 2021 coup, Myanmar has descended into a prolonged civil war marked by severe repression and widespread internet shutdowns. The Myanmar Internet Project has documented over 300 instances of internet blackouts since the coup, with nearly 25% of the country’s 330 townships now completely disconnected from the digital world.

For those on the ground, Starlink represents a critical link to the outside world and a tool for coordination amid the chaos. While the junta views its usage as a threat, the satellite technology has become an essential resource for many navigating the harsh realities of Myanmar’s ongoing crisis.

This reliance underscores the broader challenges of maintaining communication in politically unstable regions and raises questions about the intersection of technology and governance in conflict zones.