Earlier this month, subscribers of Starlink internet services were notified via email that networks would be disconnected in several countries, including Sudan.

Starlink is a satellite internet constellation, owned by American aerospace company Space X, and currently provides low-cost internet coverage to over 70 countries, and in remote locations.

The statement was released earlier this month, confirming that coverage would cease to continue past April 30

@elonmusk bad news from Starlink. As of 04/30, mobility services will cease in locations like Sudan. millions of Sudanese rely on this vital connection. Access to the internet is a lifeline for many. I hope these updates are suspended, especially in a war zone pic.twitter.com/FfNBSOa3by

— Ali Abdalla (@ali3bdalla) April 17, 2024

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Due to the ongoing conflict, and infrastructure damage, regions across Sudan have depended on Starlink for connectivity.

The war, that erupted in April of last year, has disrupted local telecom company services, causing many regions in Sudan to suffer from a complete blackout. Internet connectivity in rural areas are near to non-existing, and if found, is usually slower than 10KBPs and more expensive that using Starlink.

@amarbeherbobe #فتح كرتون جهاز ستارلينك#جديد #الشعب_الصيني_ماله_حل😂😂 ♬ الصوت الأصلي – عمار بحر

Once the announcement came out, individuals from inside and outside of Sudan have began to share their pleas with the organisation to reconsider the decision

With Starlink being active in other warzones such as Ukraine, it was obvious that continued connectivity has become absolutely vital for daily life, and emergency aid efforts across states in Sudan.

Due to the war and the use of civilians as a war zone in Sudan, with siege, starvation, thirst, killings, rape, destruction of hospitals, and infrastructure, central Sudan states (Khartoum,Al Jazeera), Darfur, and Kordofan relied on StarLink satellite internet,
+#KeepEyesOnSudan pic.twitter.com/SjU3Yf6kFf

— weam shawgi-نمشي وين (@Golama_Isies) April 25, 2024

They weren’t going to leave any stone unturned!

Hadhreen organisation has quickly taken action after hearing the news, and took it upon them to initiate multiple reach outs to professionals in order to help overturn the decision.

They recently shared the news expressing relief, that they had verified through a reliable source that Starlink has reversed the decision for now, but it might be subject to review in the future.

 

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A post shared by Hadhreen | حاضرين (@hadhreen_org)

Every bit of effort counts!

With many individuals and organisations on the ground relying on the Space X satellite internet services, the discontinuation due to not having the correct licensing right now, would cause millions to suffer. With Sudan already suffering from severe disconnection from the entire world, Starlink has helped individuals connect with their families, access bank accounts, discover safe passage as well as get on with their daily lives.

#StarLink
What is the purpose of the satellite Internet if a country in war and doesn’t have Internet connection? We believed in your vision don’t cancel our subscription in #Sudan #rt pic.twitter.com/C6RN0QC41C

— Suliman (@suliman_elshisk) April 24, 2024

Starlink and Space X are yet to comment, or release an official statement

The initial decision to cease operations in countries without licensing is due to begin tomorrow, and so, Sudanese all over the world right now are hoping that they’ll get a pass this time through.

 

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A post shared by Lovin Khartoum | لوڤن الخرطوم (@lovinkhartoum)

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