In 2026, Syria is experiencing a notable shift in its digital landscape, balancing persistent connectivity challenges with ambitious government plans to modernize telecommunications infrastructure. Within this context, Starlink has emerged as a unique case: widely used through informal channels while authorities pursue formal regulatory arrangements for its official entry into the market.
Confiscation or Regulation?
Reports of Starlink equipment confiscations sparked debate in a country where internet connectivity remains inconsistent. Minister of Communications Abdulsalam Haykal stated that the ministry is open to all technologies, provided they operate within the framework of national laws.
He clarified that enforcement measures targeted smugglers seeking to exploit high demand rather than individual users. The minister emphasized that the government’s priority remains strengthening national infrastructure through large-scale initiatives such as the SilkLink project.
Between Reality and Ambition
Although Starlink is not yet officially licensed in Syria, many users have accessed the service through gray market channels. Equipment is typically purchased in neighboring countries such as Jordan and Cyprus, activated abroad and then brought into Syria.
Monthly subscription costs reportedly range between $25 and $100, while device prices on the local market can reach $1,500, roughly double international retail prices. In countries where the service is officially available, advertised kit prices generally range between $350 and $700, excluding subscription fees.
Users cite improved performance compared to traditional local internet services, particularly in areas where infrastructure has been damaged. However, they also acknowledge potential legal risks associated with unauthorized use.
Starlink vs. Traditional Internet
Conventional internet services in Syria, including ADSL, mobile data and limited fiber optic connections, continue to face challenges stemming from infrastructure damage, periodic outages and slow speeds.
In several provinces where fiber connectivity is weak or frequently disrupted, satellite internet has become either a backup solution or a primary connectivity option. This performance gap has driven demand for satellite-based alternatives despite higher costs and regulatory uncertainty.
Toward a Regulated Digital Expansion
Ongoing discussions between the Ministry of Communications and SpaceX have reportedly made significant progress, with indications that Starlink may agree to licensing fees that would enable its formal operation in Syria. Officials have framed its potential entry as a complementary service rather than a substitute for national networks.
These negotiations coincide with broader telecommunications projects, including the SilkLink agreement with Saudi Telecom Company (STC) to deploy thousands of kilometers of fiber-optic infrastructure. Additional initiatives include the BarqNet project, aiming to provide internet speeds of up to one gigabit per second, as well as plans to establish five major data centers.
As Syria works to overcome years of digital limitations through infrastructure investments and negotiations with international technology providers, citizens remain caught between existing connectivity challenges and unofficial yet functional alternatives. Officials suggest that formal licensing decisions regarding Starlink could be announced in the coming weeks, potentially marking a new phase in the country’s digital transformation.
