The introduction of Starlink devices into the Darfur region is considered an important step in providing communications and the Internet (Al Jazeera)

El Fasher -

For many years, the Darfur region in western Sudan has witnessed bloody conflicts, which greatly affected the lives of local residents in various fields, especially in the field of communications. The suffering of citizens increased after the outbreak of war on April 15 of last year, as communications were cut off for long periods. This prompted them to search for alternative means of communication, until Starlink devices suddenly appeared as an effective alternative and a source of hope for the residents of the region.

Since the outbreak of war in Sudan, Sudanese have been living in isolation from the outside world due to the interruption of communications networks and the Internet. Some of them have resorted to communicating with their families via Starlink satellite Internet networks, which some investors have provided on a limited basis in markets, some main streets, and in cafes, at prices ranging from Between 2 and 3 thousand pounds (4.99 US dollars) per person per hour, in light of crowding and overcrowding by beneficiaries.

Four main telecommunications companies operate in Sudan: Zain, Areeba, and Sudani (via the terrestrial cable system), in addition to Canar, which covers Internet service only, as modern communications are considered one of the most important tools that residents rely on in their daily lives, for communication and rapid exchange of information.

Starlink is a technological communication device that provides Internet service via satellite, produced by SpaceX, which was founded by American billionaire Elon Musk. It is distinguished by providing fast, high-quality Internet service in remote areas that lack Internet networks, as the speed of the Internet service in the device reaches hundreds of thousands of dollars. Megabytes per second, and these devices connected to phones and computers are an ideal alternative in areas that suffer from constant Internet outages due to wars.

Starlink service provides Internet connection in remote areas facing technical challenges (Al Jazeera)

Change lives

Adam Saleh, a resident of the city of Zalingei, told Al Jazeera Net, "The lives of residents in the region have witnessed a gradual change thanks to the use of Starlink communication devices," and he added, "Thanks to these devices, the process of communication between residents has become easier and more effective than it was before."

Adam pointed out that many Starlink devices were installed throughout the region, allowing residents to benefit from reliable and fast communication with their relatives and be informed of current events and news in the region.

Meanwhile, Fatima Omar, a displaced person in Zamzam camp south of El Fasher, told Al Jazeera Net that she was unable to contact her family in Nyala for more than 4 months, due to the war and the interruption of communications, and she added, “But thanks to Starlink, I was able to communicate with them on a daily basis. This has become The devices give us new opportunities in the fields of commerce and social communication, which has contributed to improving our quality of life and enhancing our integration into society despite the current war conditions in the country.”

The absence of communications and the Internet, with the beginning of the conflict in Sudan and the Darfur region in particular, disrupted the interests of millions of people, especially merchants and businessmen, as all money transfers through banking applications were affected, which caused a major halt in commercial activity.

Citizens were also unable to communicate with their family members, which caused anxiety and psychological tension among some people who lived in a state of isolation from others for several months due to the war. The difficulty in obtaining the necessary information about the safety of individuals in light of the war in some areas also increased, and there was difficulty in Access to reliable information about the security and humanitarian conditions, which increased the state of anxiety among the population, as citizens in some areas were forced to return to traditional means of communication, such as writing manual messages and sending them via travel buses, to convey information to their families.

Concerns about use

The introduction of Starlink devices into the Darfur region is considered an important step in providing communications and the Internet, and represents a technological advancement that will change people’s lives. However, there are those who point out the potential risks resulting from its use.

Speaking to Al Jazeera Net, communications engineer Ahmed Hamed said, “Starlink works with satellites, so it does not need switchboards and switchboards like the services of other telecommunications companies,” and pointed out the potential risks in using it, especially in terms of security and privacy, as information can be spied on. Or hacked via satellite.

He said, "Starlink devices must be used legally and accurately, and the competent authorities in Sudan must study and regulate the use of this technology in accordance with local laws and regulations," and stressed the need to take the necessary precautions when using them.

Engineer Abu Bakr Adam, a network specialist, believes that there are many misconceptions about the Starlink service, and he pointed out that it is “not just a regular satellite Internet service, but rather a service that aims to provide Internet connectivity in remote areas that face technical challenges.” He explained, "This service is not limited to ordinary individuals only, but is also considered useful for organizations and institutions in those regions, as it provides them with a strong and reliable connection, which helps them carry out their activities and communicate with customers around the world."

Adam called on citizens not to fall into false ideas about the Starlink service, stressing that it is considered an effective and innovative solution to provide Internet connectivity in areas that face difficulties in accessing traditional communication services, especially in light of wars.

The cost of subscribing to the Starlink service starts from $160 per month (Al Jazeera)

Purchase costs

Citizen Khaled Idris from El Fasher said in his interview with Al Jazeera Net that he is not familiar with the details of the financial subscription for Starlink devices, as he only uses them by buying time in the market. He explained that many individuals in the Darfur region cannot own and provide Starlink devices in their homes, due to their high price. , which amounts to about 3 million Sudanese pounds (approximately 4,991 US dollars).

He pointed out that this significant increase in price leads to a problem with the limited purchasing power of many people, and said, “High prices make them unaffordable for many individuals who live in difficult economic conditions, and therefore, many individuals find it difficult to enjoy Starlink services and their benefits because of The financial constraints they face.

According to the owner of Starlink Cafe, investor Muhammad Suleiman, “The service provided is paid and not free,” and he points out that the cost of the subscription (monthly rent) starts from $160. In addition, there is another fee of $320, paid to increase the connection speed, which is what customers need. To enjoy high-quality Internet, especially for downloading videos and sending large files.

Regarding the method of introducing Starlink devices into the Darfur region, investor Suleiman indicated that these devices are imported from Libya, where they usually enter Sudan through the desert or sometimes through Chad, and these devices are available to some investors, and according to Suleiman, internet packages are shipped Through an external agent, its capacity is unlimited and is not restricted by the specified speed or high quality.

Source: Al Jazeera