Myanmar Scam Centres Ditch Starlink Amid Crackdown, Services Plummet 43%: Report
Image Source: Internet
A significant drop in Starlink usage in Myanmar has been reported, with estimates suggesting a 43% decline since September. According to regional internet registry Apnic, up to 14% of Myanmar's internet users connected through Starlink this summer, making it the most popular provider. However, by November 10, this share had fallen to less than 7%. The decline comes after an AFP investigation revealed the presence of Starlink receivers on several scam centres, prompting parent company SpaceX to deactivate over 2,500 internet receivers in the vicinity of suspected 'scam centres'. The US Congressional investigation into Starlink's role in providing internet access to these centres has also been ongoing since July. Most of the scam centres, controlled by Chinese criminal groups and Myanmar militias, have been targeted in recent high-profile raids by the military junta. Despite the damage to some buildings, much of the complex remains intact, raising questions about the junta's willingness to tackle the issue. Myanmar has been plagued by civil war since the 2021 coup.
