On June 6th, David Eubank the founder of the Free Burma Rangers (FBR), made an announcement regarding the availability of Starlink satellite internet service in certain areas of Karenni State. Unfortunately, the Karenni people are currently unable to take advantage of the service, due to the exorbitant equipment and associated costs involved, rendering it unaffordable for them.
U Banyar, the founder of the Karenni Human Rights Group (KnHRG), has highlighted the complex requirements for accessing Starlink Internet service. To establish connectivity, the necessary equipment needs to be imported from overseas, incurring a minimum cost of 8 million kyats. Starlink is currently operating in Thailand where a starter pack costs around US$500 ,a sum that would be regarded as far too expensive for most Thai people.
U Banyar further explained "Universal access to Starlink devices presents a number of problems as worldwide availability varies. While it is available to purchase in Southeast Asia, specifically the Philippines, obtaining and redistributing them through Thailand incurs steep customs taxes. This import process poses difficulties for many, alongside the considerable expense of the top-up fee, limiting accessibility for all”, he explained.
Accessing Starlink Internet in Karenni State poses other difficulties due to the requirement for specialized equipment and the associated high costs. Furthermore, the current instability of the power supply in the region adds an additional inconvenience to utilizing this service, U Banyar added.
"Accessing Starlink Internet presents logistical challenges as machinery is required for transporting these devices, as they are not easily carried on one's shoulder due to their relatively heavy weight. Additionally, the considerable power consumption further complicates the feasibility of using this service”, he told Kantarawaddy Times.
Following the coup, the Military Council deliberately severed both internet connectivity and power distribution in certain areas within Karenni State that demonstrated strong resistance.
"I've come across the term Starlink before, but I'm not entirely clear on its purpose. I recall reading news articles mentioning its potential for providing internet access”, a war-displaced individual in western Demoso said.
Currently, Karenni people are compelled to venture into areas with limited phone network and internet access, to engage in online communication. These regions are vulnerable to shelling from the Military Council, leaving the individuals in a perilous position as they risk their lives to access and utilize these networks.
Recognizing the potential of Starlink internet access to easily unveil the true situation and human rights violations in Karenni State to a global audience, U Banyar has urgently appealed for assistance in establishing Starlink connectivity.
According to U Banyar, the ease of accessing Starlink internet could lead to the unveiling of the true situation and human rights violations in Karenni State to the global audience. In light of this,
he made a plea for assistance in establishing reliable internet connectivity through Starlink within Karenni State.
Ensuring public access to the Starlink Internet service is of utmost importance in providing an accurate and comprehensive understanding of the state of health and education within conflict zones, U Banyar added.
Each Wi-Fi support provided by Starlink enables the connection of a minimum of 10 devices, including phones, thereby expanding connectivity options. Starlink, as a satellite-based Internet service system, is presently available in 54 countries.
It appears thar a lot of research is needed on how to adapt this new technology to the realities of the Karenni situation, before any international funder would consider supporting this new wi-fi and internet system.
