Starlink users in Myanmar say a new policy governing the satellite internet provider’s roaming service could sharply restrict access after August 17, potentially cutting off a communications lifeline in areas affected by internet shutdowns and armed conflict.

Starlink has introduced new terms for its Roam service that limit use of the Roam Unlimited plan outside the country where an account is registered to 30 consecutive days.

After that period, customers must either upgrade to a Priority plan or transfer their account to the country where the terminal is being used.

Neither option is straightforward for users in Myanmar, which is not currently listed as an officially supported Starlink market. That means accounts registered in countries such as Thailand cannot be transferred to Myanmar.

“In places where there is no mobile phone coverage, all communication depends on Starlink,” a resident of Karenni State told New Day Myanmar. “If that service stops as well, we could lose contact entirely. Using priority data would also be far too expensive.”

A journalist working in a border area said Starlink had become essential not only for reporting and exchanging information, but also for healthcare, education and other public services.

“This policy change could create a major problem for communities in these areas,” the journalist said.

Most Starlink terminals operating in Myanmar are registered in neighboring countries, particularly Thailand. Users said that once the new rules take effect, many accounts may lose service after 30 days because they cannot be localized to Myanmar.

Earlier in July, Starlink also suspended service for some terminals in Karenni State after notifying users that the devices were operating outside their registered region.

Since Myanmar’s 2021 military coup, the authorities have repeatedly imposed mobile phone and internet shutdowns in conflict-affected areas. Resistance-held territories, border communities, displacement camps and independent media organizations have increasingly relied on Starlink as their primary means of communication.

The policy change has therefore raised concerns that communities already cut off from conventional telecommunications networks could face further isolation.