Sri Lanka’s telecommunications regulator has granted a license to Elon Musk’s Starlink, the satellite internet division of SpaceX, to provide satellite broadband services in the country, according to the president’s office. This development follows the recent passage of a new telecommunications bill in Sri Lanka’s parliament, marking the first amendment to the law in 28 years, which enabled Starlink Lanka to establish operations.
Starlink first approached Sri Lanka in March with a proposal to set up its services, as confirmed by officials last month. The company will be required to pay a tariff for the license, according to the terms of the agreement.
As a leader in the satellite internet industry, SpaceX’s Starlink currently controls about 60% of the 7,500 satellites orbiting Earth. This move into Sri Lanka is part of Musk’s broader interest in expanding Starlink’s presence in South Asia, including potential plans for India, although no formal announcements have been made.
Starlink has yet to respond to requests for comment on the development.
