Debates and Controversies Surrounding the Delay in Distributing Starlink Devices in Yemen and the Ongoing Corruption File.

On September 18, 2024, the General Communications Authority in the temporary capital Aden officially announced the launch of the “Starlink” satellite internet service in Yemen. This announcement, which garnered wide interest, was confirmed through the official accounts of the company’s founder Elon Musk and the official Starlink account on the “X” platform (previously Twitter). It was promised that this service would contribute to improving communications in the country, but many problems and obstacles began to surface after the official announcement, raising questions about the progress of the project.

Delay in Device Distribution and Price Announcement

Since the official announcement, the General Communications Authority has not yet announced the official locations for distributing Starlink devices or their prices, despite more than two months passing since the service was launched. This delay has sparked widespread dissatisfaction among the public, leading to rumors that the local market is flooded with smuggled devices that were introduced before the official launch, and are currently held in warehouses.

Citizens are questioning why the authority is delaying the distribution of official devices, and whether it is related to attempts to offload the smuggled devices first? Despite no official confirmation, doubts about unethical interventions or poor planning leading to this delay persist.

Lack of Transparency and Communication with the Public

In addition to the distribution delay, the General Communications Authority has faced scathing criticism for not engaging with citizens’ questions on social media. By disabling comments and direct messages on its official page, the authority has further angered and frustrated the public. Instead of clarifying the real reasons behind the delay, the authority has only posted generic messages that do not meet the expectations of citizens waiting for answers to their questions and real solutions to improve internet service.

Issue of Smuggled Devices and Execution Delay

While users await official devices, reports have surfaced indicating that some devices entered the country through unofficial channels, while others were shipped to Aden airport but were intercepted and detained by government authorities. There are also claims that some devices directly shipped from Starlink company have been blocked from activation by official authorities. What is surprising here is that citizens have not been able to benefit from these devices even though they are legal and officially imported.

This complex situation is reminiscent of previous projects, such as the “Aden Net” project, which ended in failure due to corruption and mismanagement. This makes Yemeni citizens fearful that the same scenario may repeat itself with the “Starlink” service.

Hopes for the Future of Starlink Service in Yemen

Despite increasing controversy and problems since the service announcement, hope remains that “Starlink” will bring about a significant improvement in the telecommunications sector in Yemen. Especially given the significant challenges the country faces in providing internet service in difficult circumstances. The Yemeni government and the General Communications Authority need to take transparent and swift steps to ensure the success of this vital project and provide devices and services to citizens smoothly.

Government Efforts to Improve Communication Infrastructure

These efforts coincide with other issues related to communication infrastructure in Yemen. The AAE-1 submarine cable, which was supposed to be a turning point in improving internet speed and quality in the country, has been operational but its use is still limited or has not seen the light of day yet. Also, the Yemeni government is facing difficulties in reclaiming the national domain “.ye”, which is vital for Yemen’s digital sovereignty. Despite the efforts made, there is an urgent need to improve communication with citizens and provide clear information about the progress of these projects.

In conclusion, Yemeni citizens continue to await clear answers and practical actions from the responsible authorities, hopeful that the state of communications in the country will improve away from corruption and obstacles that have long hindered development.