Sudan: Aid Groups Urge Musk to Keep Starlink Active

Facts

• Last month, SpaceX, the Starlink satellite internet provider, notified subscribers in Sudan that it would disconnect its service because it wasn't 'authorized to operate' in the conflict-ridden country.¹
• The network blackout, which began in early February, has reportedly hindered Sudanese residents from buying essential supplies, stifled communication among displaced families, and delayed relief distribution.²
• Now, nearly 100 humanitarian groups have warned SpaceX owner Elon Musk that an internet shutdown risks 'collectively punishing' millions of Sudanese and 'disproportionate[ly] impact' aid agencies.³
• Despite previously warning that it would terminate its satellite internet by May 1 in areas where it lacks a license to operate, Starlink reportedly remains available in certain unauthorized regions.⁴
• Starlink's suspension comes after Bloomberg reported that its satellite connections are being used in countries where it's illegal to operate, including Sudan.⁵

Sources: ¹NDTV.com, ²Voice of America, ³Guardian, ⁴TechCentral and ⁵Bloomberg.

Narratives

• Narrative A, as provided by The IRC. Sudan is in the midst of a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, and an internet blackout effectively threatens people's right to communicate — especially amid violence and famine. Musk must understand the significance of Starlink's operations for millions experiencing suffering in a complex emergency.
• Narrative B, as provided by TechCentral. Musk has acted on reports confirming that Starlink's satellite communication systems can be breached, hacked, and used by bad actors. Now, he's criticized for shutting down the service in unlicensed areas, including regressive regimes. Criticism of Musk is unfair and he is making the best decision possible based on current conditions.

Predictions