Sri Lanka Gives Initial Approval For Starlink Internet Service

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe met Elon Musk last month in Indonesia (photo: x @RW_UNP)

JAKARTA - Sri Lanka has given initial approval to Starlink, SpaceX's satellite unit led by Elon Musk, to provide internet services in the country. This was announced by the country's presidential office on Thursday, June 6.

Sri Lanka accelerated the approval process after Musk met with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe last month in Indonesia, on the sidelines of the 10th World Air Forum.

Sri Lanka's telecommunications regulator gave preliminary approval after conducting public consultations, according to a brief statement from the president's office.

Musk and Wickremesinghe discussed ways to expand internet connectivity in rural areas of Sri Lanka as well as potential collaboration in renewable energy, the presidential office stated.

In Indonesia, Starlink itself has conducted a trial operation, although until now it continues to receive criticism from other internet service providers. Because Starlink has yet to open an office in Indonesia and there are concerns about the exploitation of data by Starlink against Indonesians.