It is reported that SpaceX's satellite communication service 'Starlink' kits are being illegally traded
SpaceX's satellite communication service 'Starlink' is a service that enables Internet connection even in areas without Internet service by transmitting signals from more than 5,000 artificial satellites deployed at the time of writing to Starlink antennas owned by users. However, in some countries and regions such as Yemen and Sudan, illegally obtained Starlink systems are being deployed, even though Starlink is not permitted to be operated.
Elon Musk's SpaceX Sees Starlink Black Market Trade Grow Worldwide - Bloomberg
In order for SpaceX to deploy Starlink services in a country or region, it must first enter into an agreement with the government of that country or region. However, due to 'balances with existing local partners' and 'security issues,' SpaceX is unable to enter into agreements in some countries and regions, and actions such as shipping Starlink antennas are prohibited.
However, Manuel Ntumba, an African geospatial, governance and risk expert, points out that 'even though Starlink services are not provided, some people are using Starlink illegally.' An investigation by Bloomberg, a foreign media outlet, has confirmed cases where kits for Starlink connection have been illegally traded and activated.
In fact, in Yemen, where Starlink service is not supposed to be available, a senior government official acknowledged that 'Starlink is widely used in Yemen.' According to this government official, many people are using illegally obtained Starlink to avoid the slow and censored Internet service provided in Yemen. In Sudan, where civil war continues, normal Internet has been suspended for several months. Meanwhile, it has been reported that Sudan's paramilitary organization 'Rapid Support Forces' is using Starlink for military supplies and other purposes.
'Starlink illicit trade is generally handled by local private companies, so there's little to no accounting from local governments about who has access to Starlink and how it's being used,' said Emma Shortis, a senior fellow in international and security affairs at the Australia Institute.
In Central Asian countries where Starlink services are scarce, the Kazakhstan government cracked down on illegally traded Starlink terminals in 2024. However, an anonymous trader revealed that 'the crackdown has had little effect, with the price of Starlink terminals on the black market only increasing.'
In addition, it has been reported that the Russian military is using Starlink on the front lines in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Meanwhile, SpaceX's Elon Musk has insisted that 'SpaceX will not officially sell Starlink terminals to Russia.'
Regarding illegal trade of Starlink terminals in these countries and regions, SpaceX has declared, 'If SpaceX becomes aware that Starlink terminals are being used by sanctioned countries or unauthorized parties, we will immediately investigate and take steps to deactivate the terminals if use is confirmed.'
SpaceX does not do any kind of business with the Russian Government or its military.
— Starlink (@Starlink) February 8, 2024
Starlink is not active in Russia, meaning the service will not work in that country. SpaceX has never sold or marketed Starlink in Russia, nor has it shipped equipment to locations in Russia. If…
A similar movement is also active in South Africa. At the time of writing, the South African government has not approved Starlink's application to operate in the country, but there is a group of providers in South Africa who are purchasing terminals in Mozambique, a neighboring country where Starlink is authorized, and illegally delivering them to customers in South Africa. The South African government has issued a statement to its citizens (PDF file) stating that 'illegal use of Starlink services in the country will be subject to fines of up to 5 million rand (approximately 40 million yen).'
Regulators in other African countries have issued similar warnings, with Ghana's National Communications Authority issuing a statement in December 2023 calling on anyone involved in the sale or operation of Starlin terminals in the country to 'immediately cease and desist.' In Zimbabwe, regulators have issued warnings to companies involved in the sale of Starlink terminals.
According to Bloomberg, the US government may further tighten export controls on Starlink to prevent it from falling into the hands of US adversaries. One security consultant pointed out that 'Starlink needs to get location information when the kit is turned on and implement measures to disable kits that violate US export regulations.'
A State Department spokesperson said, 'While satellite communications services like Starlink are an important tool for bridging the digital divide, we urge SpaceX to take appropriate steps to issue licenses to operate its services in countries around the world.'
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