The ongoing outage has severely disrupted communication channels, hindered money transfers, impeded access to basic services, and exacerbated humanitarian needs across the country.
During the shutdown, major telecommunications companies including MTN, Zain Sudan, and Sudatel Telecom Group have disconnected over 14 million users, aggravating the already dire situation.
According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA), an estimated 25 million people in Sudan are projected to require urgent humanitarian aid in 2024.
It has come to light that since August 2023, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been utilizing Starlink technology to navigate the Internet blackout, circumventing the restrictions.
Despite facing legality issues in some nations, Starlink, a satellite Internet constellation launched in eight African countries, has partnered with the MTN Group, gaining traction in Sudan during the crisis.
Reports indicate that Starlink’s popularity surged in Sudan following the Internet shutdown, with shipments being facilitated through RSF-controlled locations.
However, civilians are being subjected to exorbitant charges of up to $2 per hour for Starlink services by traders affiliated with the RSF, further exacerbating financial burdens on the population.
The RSF has faced scrutiny and backlash for the Internet blackout, particularly after experiencing connectivity issues in Darfur.
Zain Sudan, under threat, is being pressured to restore connectivity by the RSF.