Houthis Declare Starlink Internet in Yemen as "Illegal"

Houthi rebels in Yemen have declared the use of Starlink internet services as illegal, just a day after Elon Musk announced plans to provide internet connections in the country using Starlink terminals.

The Ministry of Communications in Houthi-controlled areas warned citizens against dealing with Starlink, citing its services as illegal. “We warn all citizens against dealing with ‘Starlink,’ which provides satellite internet services, as its services are illegal,” Houthi-controlled Al-Masirah reported citing the ministry.

Yemen is one of the most internet-starved countries globally, ranking among the worst in terms of connectivity. The country has been ravaged by civil war since 2014, with the Saudi-backed government fighting Iran-aligned Houthi rebels. This conflict has severely damaged the country's infrastructure, including telecommunications, leaving millions without reliable internet access.

Only 27% of Yemen’s population are reportedly online. The country relies on a single aging subsea cable, FALCON, for connectivity. Mobile coverage is patchy, offering limited 2G and 3G technology. Additionally, internet access is expensive, with prices disproportionately high compared to the quality of service.

Starlink, operated by SpaceX, offers a potential solution by providing internet via a network of satellites in low Earth orbit. The conflict in Yemen has also extended to global trade, with Houthi forces attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea, disrupting maritime trade and allegedly targeting undersea internet cables. Though the rebels have denied cutting these cables, tensions in the region have continued to escalate. The introduction of Starlink could offer a way to bypass such vulnerabilities, providing a vital lifeline for Yemen's struggling population.

The recognized government of Yemen sees the Starlink deal as a strategic victory in their struggle against the Houthis.