Which Countries Have Banned Starlink? Full List Of Nations Where Elon Musk’s Satellite Internet Faces Restrictions, Licensing Hurdles And Regulatory Barriers

Starlink, the satellite broadband network operated by SpaceX, provides internet connectivity through satellites in low Earth orbit. However, its availability depends not only on technical coverage but also on government approval, telecommunications regulations and local operating licences.

Countries including China, Russia and Iran have imposed restrictions on Starlink or its unauthorised use. Other markets have delayed or rejected its commercial rollout over licensing and ownership requirements. The precise legal status differs by country, and a service that is technically accessible is not necessarily legally authorised.

Which countries have banned or restricted Starlink?

The following countries and territories have been associated with bans, restrictions or regulatory barriers affecting Starlink. The distinction between a complete ban, an unauthorised service and a pending licence is important.

You Might Be Interested In

• China: Starlink does not have authorisation to provide its commercial satellite internet service, while the country maintains strict controls over internet access and telecommunications.

• Russia: Authorities have restricted unauthorised satellite communication services, and Starlink is not officially available as a domestic commercial service.

• North Korea: Strict state control over communications and internet access prevents ordinary consumers from accessing Starlink legally.

• Iran: Satellite internet terminals face restrictions under the country’s telecommunications and security framework.

• Cuba: State control over telecommunications and restrictions on unauthorised connectivity create significant barriers to Starlink use.

• Belarus: Regulatory and security restrictions prevent normal authorised commercial access to the service.

• Syria: Sanctions and telecommunications restrictions complicate the provision of satellite internet services.

• Myanmar: Telecommunications controls and government restrictions affect access to unauthorised satellite internet equipment.

• Hong Kong and Macao: Their regulatory arrangements differ from mainland China, and Starlink availability must be assessed separately rather than treating all three jurisdictions as having identical rules.

Important: This list should not be interpreted as confirmation that every country or territory has enacted a specific, blanket Starlink ban. Legal restrictions, enforcement practices and service availability can change.