Sri Lanka’s telecommunications regulator has issued a licence to Starlink, the satellite internet arm of SpaceX, to offer satellite broadband services in the country, the president’s office announced.
The licence follows the passage of a new telecommunications bill by Sri Lanka’s parliament last month, marking the first major update to the law in 28 years. This legislative change has paved the way for Starlink Lanka to establish operations in Sri Lanka.
Starlink, which operates around 60% of the world’s 7,500 satellites, had proposed setting up services in Sri Lanka in March. The company will need to pay a licence fee, although specific tariff details have not been revealed.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX is also eyeing opportunities in South Asia, with Starlink expressing interest in expanding into India, though no formal plans have been announced.
Philips Babatunde