Maldives grants licence to Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service
With Starlink internet service, high-speed internet access will be available to all parts of the country as well as sea faring vessels.
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Maldives on Thursday issued a licence to Starlink, the satellite communications service started by Elon Musk, to provide satellite internet communication services in the world's most dispersed nation.
The Internet Service Provider (ISP) licence was issued to Starlink Services Maldives, the local entity set up by Starlink, at a special ceremony held at the National Centre for Information Technology Thursday afternoon. Maldivian technology minister Aminath Shauna handed over the licence to SpaceX Senior Director Global Licensing and Activation Ryan Goodnight.
"With Starlink internet service, high-speed internet access will be available to all parts of the country as well as sea faring vessels," a statement issued by the ministry read.
"The Communication Authority of Maldives aims to create an environment in which people can access quality communication services at affordable prices through a competitive environment by introducing cutting-edge technologies."
SpaceX has launched nearly 5,000 Starlink satellites to low Earth orbit (LEO) to date.
The company owned by the world's richest individual already has permission to deploy 12,000 Starlink satellites in LEO, and it has applied to an international regulator for approval to loft another 30,000 spacecraft on top of that.
The service is currently available in over 30 countries, and has played a vital role in disaster and conflict zones.
