(Initial fee set at 3 million kyats, including annual registration and quarterly tax)
In Rakhine State, privately owned Starlink internet devices must pay tax to the Arakan Army (AA) in order to be used legally, according to AA officials.
After previously confiscating privately owned Starlink devices that were being used without official permission over the past few months, the AA has now begun implementing a formal taxation and registration program.
Residents who wish to use privately owned Starlink services must pay taxes, and they may also rent Starlink devices owned by the AA, officials said.
An AA administrative official stated that individuals wishing to use private Starlink devices must register them with the AA’s Technology Department, pay an annual registration fee, and also pay three months’ worth of tax in advance.
“Starlink usage has now been officially permitted. Private device owners must pay an annual registration fee of 2 million kyats and a three-month tax of 1 million kyats. An initial total of 3 million kyats must be paid to use it legally. After that, a quarterly tax of 1 million kyats must be paid every three months. Once the annual registration expires, another 2 million kyats must be paid for renewal. However, if there are any security concerns or issues related to technical information, the device will be immediately confiscated and legal action will be taken,” the official said.
The AA is reportedly prioritizing approvals for urban areas, with plans to gradually expand the program to rural regions.
A resident of Mrauk-U said, “Devices are being gradually approved. This week alone, two units are expected to arrive in our ward. Only those who have registered will be allowed to use them legally. Many people have already applied for official Starlink use.”
Unregistered devices and those that have not paid taxes will be seized by the AA’s Technology Department, according to officials.
“All unauthorized devices will be confiscated. The government has now opened a legal pathway for usage. Those who want to use Starlink should apply, register at the Technology Department, and pay taxes. These restrictions are necessary for security reasons. Devices can also be rented from the government. If someone cannot rent an entire unit, they can rent shared line access,” another AA administrative member said.
However, a resident from Kyauktaw criticized the program, saying the costs are excessively high.
“The Arakkha government’s Starlink usage program is extremely expensive. It is designed only for wealthy individuals and major business owners. Ordinary people cannot afford it. To use a private device, you must pay 3 million kyats upfront. Even renting requires at least 2 million kyats. This is beyond the reach of ordinary citizens,” the resident said.
Since renewed fighting broke out in 2023, phone and internet services have been frequently cut off across Rakhine State, causing serious communication difficulties for residents.
Many Rakhine residents have criticized the AA’s Starlink authorization program, arguing that the high taxes and fees will continue to leave much of the population disconnected from essential communication services.
