Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has announced that the country has granted approval for Elon Musk's Starlink to launch satellite internet services. The move is expected to revolutionize connectivity in the country and provide faster and more reliable internet access, especially for the youth. The President believes that it will open up new opportunities and bring relief to various sectors such as education and fishing. This comes after preliminary approval was granted by the country's regulator following a public consultation process. Musk had recently launched Starlink in Indonesia and announced its availability in Fiji, showcasing his plan to expand the service to remote areas in the region.
Sri Lanka Embraces Starlink: Elon Musk's Satellite Internet Revolution
Sri Lanka has become the latest country to welcome Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service, paving the way for a connectivity revolution in the nation. The move follows preliminary approval granted by the country's telecom regulator after a public consultation process.
Background
Sri Lanka has long grappled with unreliable and expensive internet access, particularly in rural areas. The country's internet penetration rate is around 35%, well below the global average. Starlink's entry into the market promises to address these challenges by providing faster and more accessible internet connectivity.
Benefits for Sri Lanka
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has lauded the Starlink approval as a game-changer for the country. He anticipates that it will:
Global Expansion of Starlink
Sri Lanka joins a growing list of countries where Starlink is now available or in the process of being rolled out. Musk recently launched the service in Indonesia and announced its upcoming availability in Fiji. This underscores his ambition to expand Starlink's reach to underserved areas worldwide.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. What is Starlink?
Starlink is a satellite-based internet service that connects users to a constellation of satellites orbiting Earth. This allows for high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity in remote locations where traditional broadband or cellular networks are unavailable.
2. How much will Starlink cost in Sri Lanka?
The pricing for Starlink services in Sri Lanka has not yet been announced. However, it is expected to be competitive with other internet providers in the country.
3. Where will Starlink be available in Sri Lanka?
Starlink will initially be available in areas with limited or no internet access. The company has plans to gradually expand its coverage across the country.
4. How many Starlink satellites are there?
Starlink has launched over 3,000 satellites into orbit, and plans to launch thousands more to provide global coverage.
5. How fast is Starlink's internet speed?
Starlink offers internet speeds of up to 150 Mbps, which is comparable to fiber optic broadband. However, actual speeds may vary depending on location and network conditions.
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