Starlink’s Role in Yemen and the Challenges of Geolocation Accuracy

Understanding the Anomaly in Starlink’s User Data in Yemen

Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite-based Internet system, has revolutionized connectivity in regions with limited infrastructure. However, the service’s geolocation data in Yemen has raised significant questions, as recent analysis by APNIC Labs shows an unexpected and anomalous market share. Yemen reportedly accounts for 60% of Starlink’s user base in the region, equating to approximately six million users—a figure that seems highly dubious given Yemen’s volatile conditions and limited user base overall. This disparity has sparked a deeper dive into the factors impacting the data.

One plausible explanation is the inclusion of Starlink services used on aircraft and ships. Starlink assigns IP addresses to economies, even for those devices in international transit, potentially skewing user data for Yemen. Another hypothesis is cross-border global roaming, particularly since neighboring Saudi Arabia has not authorized Starlink services. Additionally, civil unrest in Yemen has led to unique developments, such as ‘hotspot’ redistribution, wherein a single Starlink service could cater to hundreds of users under turbulent conditions. Despite these theories, none fully account for the vast discrepancy in the reported user numbers.

The Impact of Civil Conflict on Connectivity and Measurement

Civil unrest in Yemen has significantly disrupted traditional Internet infrastructure, influencing both user behavior and network service stability. Starlink, known for its resilience in crisis scenarios, may be acting as a critical lifeline for countless users amidst the turmoil. Users might be gravitating toward Starlink as a more reliable option in these dire circumstances, with shared access points such as community Wi-Fi increasing the proportion of people relying on a single service. This raises important concerns about accurately defining and measuring user populations during times of conflict.

Further complicating measurement processes is the use of ad-based analytics to estimate ISP market shares. Such systems make broad assumptions about the proportional relationship between ads served to users and the user base of an ISP. These assumptions falter under the extraordinary conditions in Yemen, where policies like the Houthi-ordered surrender of Starlink devices and the ban on Google ads have distorted available data. These developments underline the fragility of conventional measurement methods in regions affected by conflict.

Reassessing Data and Restoring Confidence

In light of Yemen’s complex circumstances, APNIC Labs took a second look at Starlink’s geolocation data, reshaping earlier misclassifications. Initially, they designated Starlink’s data in 20 economies as ‘unclassified’, suggesting substantial unreliability. Research into Yemen’s usage patterns and a wider analysis of ad volumes indicated that Starlink’s numbers deserved restoration to their original designation, despite certain gaps in understanding its roaming protocols for ships and aircraft.

As of 2025, Starlink’s global user base has reached 2.3 million, with annual growth of 800,000 users. This trajectory emphasizes Starlink’s indispensable role in global connectivity. From regions of geopolitical instability like Yemen to remote areas around the world, Starlink demonstrates both its potential to bridge the digital divide and the complexities of ensuring accurate geolocation and population estimates in varying conditions. For further insights, APNIC Labs continues to publish detailed ISP market share estimates, allowing us to better understand the evolving landscape of global Internet usage.

The Broader Implications of Challenges in Geolocation

Starlink’s unique position as a satellite ISP lays bare broader questions about modern connectivity infrastructure and methodologies in tracking its use. Geolocation accuracy is not just a technical concern but influences regulatory frameworks, competition assessments, and even national security policies. The Yemen case has emphasized how external variables—civil unrest, international roaming, and ad-tracking limitations—complicate analysis. As satellite Internet providers like Starlink continue to expand, accurate categorization of users and clear differentiation of services will only grow more crucial in developing a better understanding of global connectivity patterns.