Governance
Sri Lanka approves law allowing Musk’s Starlink operations
Sri Lanka’s parliament has amended its telecommunications law for the first time in 28 years, allowing Elon Musk’s Starlink to set up operations as a licensed service provider.
Headline
Sri Lanka’s parliament has amended its telecommunications law for the first time in 28 years, allowing Elon Musk’s Starlink to set up operations as a licensed service provider.
Context
OUR TAKE Sri Lanka amends its telecommunications law to welcome Elon Musk’s Starlink, aiming to enhance internet access, especially in rural areas. This move is poised to transform the nation’s digital landscape, supporting its goal of growing the IT sector to a $15 billion industry by 2030. –Jasmine Zhang, BTW reporter Sri Lanka’s parliament approved amendments to a decades-old law on Tuesday, allowing Elon Musk’s Starlink to set up operations in the country. The new telecommunications bill , which amended the existing law for the first time in 28 years, passed without a vote.
Evidence
Pending intelligence enrichment.
Analysis
These amendments will introduce three new types of licenses, enabling Starlink to enter Sri Lanka’s telecom market as a licensed service provider, pending approval from the telecoms regulator, said Technology Minister Kanaka Herath. Previously, the law had no regulations for satellite internet providers. “This opportunity is not just for Starlink but any company that wants to invest in Sri Lanka,” Herath told lawmakers. “Our plan is to grow the IT sector to a $15 billion industry by 2030, so attracting international companies is crucial, especially for providing internet to rural areas.” Starlink approached Sri Lanka in March, receiving preliminary approval in June after a fast-tracked process. Starlink will have to pay a tariff for the license, although details were not provided. Also read: Unleashing connectivity: Starlink and Comcast’s joint satellite deal
Key Points
- Sri Lanka’s parliament has amended its telecommunications law for the first time in 28 years, allowing Elon Musk’s Starlink to set up operations as a licensed service provider.
Actions
Pending intelligence enrichment.
