The Maldives has granted a licensing agreement to Starlink, the satellite-based communications service founded by entrepreneur Elon Musk. This licensure authorizes Starlink to offer satellite internet communication solutions within the Maldives, which holds the distinction of being the world’s most widely distributed nation in terms of its geographical spread. The formal issuance of the Internet Service Provider (ISP) license took place during a special ceremony at the National Centre for Information Technology on Thursday afternoon. Starlink Services Maldives, the local subsidiary established by Starlink, received the license. The honour of receiving the license was bestowed upon Ryan Goodnight, SpaceX Senior Director of Global Licensing and Activation, by Maldivian Technology Minister Aminath Shauna.
The conferred license holds substantial promise for the Maldives, as it will enable pervasive access to high-speed internet services across every corner of the country, including maritime vessels traversing its waters. The Ministry of Technology released an official statement underscoring the transformative impact of the Starlink internet service. The statement asserts that this initiative aligns with the Communication Authority of Maldives’ strategic endeavour to cultivate an ecosystem wherein individuals can avail of top-tier communication services at affordable rates. This aspiration is to be realized through a competitive framework that incorporates cutting-edge technologies to enhance accessibility and quality.
A noteworthy highlight is SpaceX’s endeavour, under Elon Musk’s leadership, to deploy an extensive constellation of Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO). Presently, the company has already launched around 5,000 Starlink satellites, with plans to deploy a total of 12,000 satellites approved. Beyond this, SpaceX is pursuing regulatory clearance from international authorities to loft an additional 30,000 satellites atop the existing count. This expansive constellation is poised to significantly bolster the global reach and impact of the Starlink service, which has already been instrumental in providing connectivity in over 30 countries, especially in regions grappling with disasters and conflicts.
