Starlink is prohibited for passengers on Antarctic expeditions primarily due to strict regulations on radio frequency emissions and operational control, not because of a blanket legal ban on the technology in Antarctica.

Radio Interference Concerns: At the South Pole, Starlink is strictly forbidden within a 5-mile radius of South Pole Station because it interferes with sensitive radio telescopes used for cosmic microwave background (CMB) research. Even minor radio signals can disrupt these high-precision instruments, which are critical to scientific discovery. While there are rare exceptions (e.g., for IceCube drilling operations with strict coordination), general use is prohibited.

Cruise Ship Policies: Passengers on tourist vessels are not allowed to use personal Starlink devices because cruise lines operate their own satellite internet contracts and enforce policies to prevent unauthorized network access. Using a personal Starlink unit bypasses onboard controls, creates security risks, and undermines the ship’s ability to manage bandwidth, monitor traffic, and ensure accountability.

Legal vs. Policy Restrictions: It’s important to note that using Starlink in Antarctica is not illegal under international law. However, it is against the policies of the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP), cruise operators, and research stations. Violations can result in confiscation of equipment, loss of internet access, or even being removed from the expedition.

Alternative Connectivity: Passengers can still access internet via ship-based satellite internet (e.g., Iridium or FleetBroadband) or NSF-approved networks at research stations, though bandwidth and reliability are limited, especially in remote areas. 

In short, the restriction is operational and scientific, not legal — driven by the need to protect sensitive research and maintain control over communications in a remote and regulated environment.